Our History
DEC Youth Photo
ABOUT US
Founded in 1971, Center for Center for Prevention Services was the first organization in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County dedicated to substance use prevention. Since then, we've championed harm reduction and early intervention to address youth substance use and behavioral health challenges before they begin.
OUR ROOTS
In the late 1960s, community leaders—including the Charlotte Junior League and 12 local organizations—formed the Drug Abuse Steering Committee in response to alarming youth survey data. This led to the creation of the Drug Education Center (DEC) in 1971, led by Dr. Jonnie H. McLeod and Rita Arundell, with its first office on Morehead Street in Uptown Charlotte.
DEC Programs with Youth
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
During its first decade, Center for Prevention Services became a recognized leader in drug education across North Carolina and the nation. In 1975, the DEC was selected to present at the National Substance Abuse Prevention Forum and later testified before Congress as one of only three school-based prevention programs. The Ombudsman program, launched during this era, served Charlotte youth through 1988.
YOUTH DRUG SURVEY (YDS)
Since 1972, the Youth Drug Survey has been a cornerstone of our work. Conducted every 2–4 years in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the YDS anonymously tracks youth substance use, attitudes, and perceptions.
~10,000 students per cycle
Grades: 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th
Languages: English and Spanish
Tracks trends over time using cross-sectional data
GROWTH & INNOVATION
Starting in 2010, Center for Prevention Services expanded its funding base from one to five sources, including grants, contracts, and fee-for-service programs. We offer:
Workplace Drug Prevention Training
Training of Trainers workshops
Sales of our I’m Special curriculum—recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices in 2011
EXPANDING OUR REACH
Today, Center for Prevention Services serves youth and families across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Davidson counties. With a growing team of prevention professionals, we continue to deliver evidence-based programs that build healthier communities.