Who Supports
Syringe Exchange
Programs?
For more information regarding the legal protections granted to the QCNE and our participants, please visit:
NC Safer Syringe Initiative
QCNE is a SEP (Syringe Exchange Program). Our purpose is harm reduction, empowerment and enacting real, practical strategies to improve the health of marginalized communities.
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Providing sterile injecting equipment is a proven method to prevent the spread of disease. Safer equipment also means less abscesses, endocarditis and other health problems that often put strains on public resources. SEPs improve the lives of people who use drugs and communities as a whole.
Syringe Exchange Programs empower people to care about their health. Some people are concerned this encourages drug use--many studies have been done on this topic, and all of them show quite the opposite--SEPs actually lower drug use among it's participants. This happens as a result of connection. It is said that connection is the enemy of addiction. By connecting people to resources, they are guided towards options that help individuals make educated & informed decisions that enable healthy living.
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What is an SEP?
Not sure if you need Naloxone?
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Even if you are in recovery, we recommend having naloxone.
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Having a fire extinguisher doesn't increase your chances of having a fire! Carrying naloxone doesn't mean you're a user or going to use, it just means you're prepared for an emergency.
WHAT WE OFFER
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We offer so much more than just syringes.
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We are a place for judgement free health care.
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We have free naloxone and overdose reversal and response training.
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Free testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and more.
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Free Fentanyl test strips.
*Click here to learn how to use them
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We have a wide variety of injection supplies, wound care, and information on how to properly care for your body and veins.
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Referrals and resources for people who use drugs.
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Legal protection for our participants. Syringes and other injection supplies, are protected by law (GSM 90-133.27 ) For more information, go to NC DHHS:Safer Syringe Initiative.
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AND MORE!
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QCNE is always seeking support to sustain program operations & services.
If you would like to help, please contact Angela Allen of Center for Prevention Services or you can donate online following the directions on our Donation page.
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.
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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. We have 1 fixed site that operates at Carolinas CARE Partnership, as well as mobile outreach. With the help of peers, volunteers, staff, and other community support we continue to expand harm reduction services. QCNE is dedicated to addressing the critical public health needs of the individuals & communities we love and serve.
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