Queen City Needle Exchange is a project started by Cat Nelson in 2016, the year North Carolina legalized SEP’s (Syringe Exchange Programs) with the help and mentorship of the Urban Survivors Union and the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. It started out of the trunk of Cat’s car, with a small grant providing supplies, and donated Naloxone from NCHRC. QCNE struggled and started to fizzle out as it operated under funded.
In 2018 community allies and partners came together to offer syringe access & harm reduction services in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg County area. The Charlotte Regional Harm Reduction Coalition was incepted and QCNE was revived as program of Center for Prevention Services.
In 2021, the QCNE rebranded to become Queen City Harm Reduction (QCHR) to better align with our mission to serve our community in a harm reduction capacity – far beyond syringe exchange.
We have 1 fixed site that operates at 811 Eastway Drive, as well as mobile outreach. With the help of peers, volunteers, staff, and other community support we continue to expand harm reduction services. QCHR is dedicated to addressing the critical public health needs of the individuals & communities we love and serve.
Visit Queen City Harm Reduction