Lauren Kestner

Lauren Kestner is the Division Director for Queen City Harm Reduction at the Center for Prevention Services in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she leads multidisciplinary, community-based efforts to address the overdose crisis through evidence-based harm reduction and public health interventions. She oversees low-barrier services for people who use drugs, including syringe service programming, infectious disease testing, overdose prevention, housing first assistance, and linkage to care. Grounded in lived experience and a strong commitment to health equity, Kestner leads the development and implementation of person-centered programs that reduce overdose risk, prevent disease transmission, and address systemic disparities impacting historically marginalized communities. Her work focuses on advancing equitable access to care through compassionate, community-driven approaches that meet people where they are while promoting dignity, trust, and long-term health stability.

Center for Prevention Services is a leading North Carolina nonprofit advancing public health through prevention, harm reduction, and integrated support services that address the social determinants of health. Through evidence-based early intervention programming, CPS strengthens youth resilience, promotes healthy decision-making, and improves outcomes for vulnerable youth and families across the Charlotte metro region. The Queen City Harm Reduction division provides person-centered services for people who use drugs, including naloxone distribution, safer use supplies, overdose prevention education, housing first assistance, and linkage to healthcare and social services. CPS is recognized for strong cross-sector partnerships that expand equitable access to care. By integrating prevention, harm reduction, and coordinated support, CPS advances health equity and promotes safer, healthier communities.