Bloom & Boom: April Updates Inside
April was a month full of impact, growth, and connection. From exciting new initiatives and community events to program highlights and ongoing prevention work, our team stayed busy making a difference. Whether through youth involvement, new resources, or professional development opportunities, we’re proud of all that was accomplished. As the school year begins to wind down, we’re looking ahead to a summer filled with continued momentum and meaningful engagement. Keep scrolling to catch all the highlights and inspiring moments from this past month!
April Highlights
ABC Store Expand Access to Naloxone
Mecklenburg County ABC stores are now stocked with naloxone (Narcan) to help reverse opioid overdoses in emergency situations. This initiative, supported by Mecklenburg County Public Health, includes staff training in Narcan administration and first aid, thanks to partnerships with Queen City Harm Reduction and opioid settlement funding. With ABC locations across the county, access to this life-saving medication is now more widespread, helping keep our community safer.
How Familia Adelante Strengthens Youth and Families
Familia Adelante is a prevention program for Latino youth (ages 10–14) and their families. It builds life skills and strengthens family bonds to reduce youth substance use.
The photos below from this month highlight just a few of the meaningful ways we connect, support, and grow together through this program!
Facilitator Luz Palacios is seen during community outreach at local Latino markets, laundromats, and food pantries. These venues help us invite families to join our program, ask questions, and build trust. Once families realize we're here to help, they become eager to participate and learn skills for resilience and prevention
This program isn’t designed for parents to just sit and listen, it encourages active participation. Here, parents are sharing their own ideas and perspectives, putting the great thoughts from their minds onto paper.
Alianza Spotlight: RIZECON 2025
This month, Alianza was honored to share their work at RIZECON 2025 highlighting the impact made over the last three years through the North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative.
They also presented to the Mental Health Network, engaging with local professionals and discussing their ongoing efforts to support and uplift the community through culturally responsive mental health services.
We’re excited to see Alianza’s leadership and impact being recognized across these important platforms.
Community Garden Kickoff at the QCHR House
We’re excited to share that we’ve started a community garden at the Queen City Harm Reduction (QCHR) house! With the help of CEO Angela Allen, who generously donated transplants of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and herbs from her own garden, we’ve begun planting our first beds. We plan to continue adding more plants next week, and we can’t wait to watch the garden grow!
National Public Health Week: Kicks Butts Day
Earlier this month, Center for Prevention Services and Rowan County Public Health teamed up with Salisbury Academy Upper School students for Kick Butts Day in downtown Spencer. Over the course of a 1.5-mile walk, the group collected approximately six 40-gallon bags of cigarette butts and trash, making a noticeable impact on the community!
Professional Development Trainings
Looking to earn CEUs this spring? Boost your skills with expert-led trainings, many are just $15, and some are completely free! Join us online or in person and gain CEUs along with fresh, practical insights. Register now, spots are filling fast!
HIV Updates and Intersectionality
June 12 | 10:00am - 11:00am
In-person
$15 per ticket + fees
Applying the Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
May 22 | 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual
$15 per ticket + fees
Active Shooter and De-escalation
June 26 | 9:00am - 11:00am
In-person
$15 per ticket + fees
Tools for Helping Someone in Crisis
May 28 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual
Free
Youth and Family Programs
Explore our free programs that are offered now!
Strengthening Families
Resources for families with youth ages 6-16 to strengthen family relationships and prevent youth substance misuse.
Strong African American Families Resources for youth ages 10-14 and their caregivers.
Upcoming Events
Unidos Together Con Ganas Chill & Chat with Us
Next event May 13, 2025 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Looking for a low-key space to hang out, meet new people, and just be yourself? Join us for our next Chill & Chat gathering, a relaxed evening where you can connect with friends and mentors, listen to music, play games, and build community your way. No pressure, just good vibes and great company.
Come as you are. We’d love to see you there!
Come see us at Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade Weekend
August 16 - 17, 2025
We’re excited to announce that Queen City Harm Reduction has been accepted to the 2025 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade! Stop by our table to learn more about all the wonderful things we do—and for a chance to grab some merch!
Don’t miss the chance to experience the energy of Charlotte Pride’s two-day cultural festival! From national and local performers to hundreds of vendors, art exhibits, nonprofits, and a delicious food court, there’s something for everyone.