The front entrance to Red Deer's overdose prevention site will soon not say Turning Point. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

mobile site will stay put, at first

AHS to take control of Red Deer overdose prevention site on May 31

Apr 13, 2023 | 4:59 PM

Turning Point will officially hand over operations of Red Deer’s overdose prevention site (OPS) to Alberta Health Services (AHS) on May 31.

It was announced in February that not only would control of the OPS be changing, but that the site would become mobile.

Currently a renovated trailer in the parking lot at Safe Harbour, in Railyards near downtown, the site is open 24 hours a day, and will remain so, says AHS.

“Once the transition occurs, the AHS-operated mobile unit will continue to operate in the same location as the current overdose prevention site does, at this time,” says AHS in a statement. “Alternative locations for the long-term operation of OPS may be considered, but no decision on a change in location within Red Deer has been made at this time.”

AHS also says existing Turning Point staff with relevant training are welcome to apply for positions at the OPS through AHS.

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Turning Point confirms 51 OPS staff are affected by the switch.

“AHS continues to work closely with our partners, including government, City of Red Deer and Turning Point, to transition operations of the overdose prevention site in Red Deer as seamlessly as possible. Once the transition occurs, AHS will continue to provide services at the current location at this time, with no change in hours of operation nor access for clients,” AHS adds.

“AHS will continue to ensure that clients receive the care and support they need and we will be making some enhancements to the current site for the safety of not only clients and staff, but for neighbours as well.”

Turning Point Interim Executive Director Reed Charbonneau tells rdnewsNOW in a statement that the agency’s priority is working with stakeholders to mitigate greater community impacts resulting from the transition.

“Concerns include the potential for increased opioid poisonings away from the site, and the potential impact resulting from a reduction in Turning Point’s capacity to liaise with the general community regarding substance use related issues,” says Charbonneau.

“A changeover of this sort is an involved process and we are
collaborating closely with AHS to promote a seamless transition, which will maintain the quality and scope of the care and supports we provide. This collaboration has been positive and fruitful, and we are cautiously hopeful that the same level of service will be delivered under the new provider.”

Word about this switch from Turning Point to AHS initially got out in rather unconventional fashion.

Only a few days before the province made the formal announcement, scuttlebutt about it spread after a conversation in a local coffee shop involving Red Deer City Councillor Kraymer Barnstable. Barnstable owned up to the error and apologized later that week.

Mayor Ken Johnston called that situation, “unacceptable.”