(Turning Point/Google/Supplied)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

gov't: transition plan coming

Red Deer’s Turning Point losing all provincial funding, must cut programs

Aug 14, 2025 | 11:01 AM

A stalwart community agency in Red Deer for the last 37 years may be at risk of not staying afloat.

Turning Point Society of Alberta shared on social media Wednesday it is losing all of its provincial funding, effective Nov. 1.

That means it will have to shut down the following programs:

• Women’s Program: Pregnancy, parenting, case management supports and more to women at risk, in poverty and on the streets
• Health Promotion: STBBI wrap around supports & education, harm reduction supply access, referrals, IDs and more for marginalized & vulnerable persons locally and rurally
• Test & Treat: STBBI testing and treatments in office and at rural and local agencies & events including but not limited to Syphilis with a focus on vulnerable populations
• Downtown Drop in: Access to basic needs, wound care, warm weather space, phone, bathroom and wrap around supports. This space is open to everyone but frequented by 80-120 people daily namely those experiencing homelessness and complex health needs

(Story continues below)

Colleges and polytechnics

RDP and Olds College ranked among top 50 research institutions in Canada

12h ago

Christmas Tradition

CPKC Holiday train to arrive in central Alberta on Dec. 8

14h ago

Near Millet

Wetaskiwin RCMP respond to fatal collision on Highway 814

14h ago

—

READ MORE

• Turning Point women’s program turning lives around
• Province announces recipients of syphilis education and prevention grant
• National HIV Testing Day highlights need for better access
• Turning Point offering free HIV self-test kits

—

It was just two years ago when the UCP announced Turning Point was to receive $999,000 for syphilis education and prevention. It’s not clear if all that money was utilized.

And in 2019, rdnewsNOW reported on the Turning Point women’s program, with the subject of our story sharing the program helped her turn her life in the opposite direction. At the time, 145 women had used the program in the year prior — with 40 women taking advantage of it 3-4 times per week.

A nurse with Turning Point demonstrates to members of the public how to properly administer naloxone during a community event in August 2019. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

“These funding cuts account for the majority of our yearly budget and programs and puts our agency at serious risk. More importantly, this puts our clients and community at risk, particularly with this transition occurring right before winter hits our city,” the organization said in its post.

“These cuts are significant, and we are currently strategizing transition and sustainability planning with hopes that in recognition of the vital and essential services we provide that there can be a more supportive solution than a full closure of these programs so quickly.”

rdnewsNOW reached out to the Government of Alberta Wednesday, asking why this was happening, and if there was any plan to replace these programs.

“The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services will conclude all grant agreements with the Turning Point Society on November 1, 2025, and transfer services to other providers as part of the health system refocusing,” the ministry says.

“As staff transition from Alberta Health Services to provincial health agencies, alternative delivery models will be explored. A comprehensive transition plan will be established within the upcoming weeks to minimize service disruptions and ensure a smooth transfer to alternate providers, maintaining continuity of care.”

The statement adds that, “Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring all Albertans, particularly those most vulnerable, have access to the services they need,” but did not go any further into why Turning Point will cease to receive funding.

A dollar figure in terms of how much Turning Point is losing has not yet been disclosed by either side.

Meantime, Turning Point is encouraging its supporters to help their cause by writing and contacting their local MLA, and sharing about their experiences with Turning Point.

Supporters can also donate to Turning Point through their website or in person at 4611 50 Avenue in Red Deer, they add.

Turning Point is still hosting its annual International Overdose Awareness Day event Aug. 29.

“We will be releasing more information on our socials and to the community very soon. We love our clients and this work, and we know the services we provide are unique and irreplaceable. This agency, the clients and the community at large are affected and it’s time to come together to find solutions,” Turning Point adds.

“Thank you to all who are expressing their support.”

Turning Point formerly ran the local overdose prevention site, before the reins were handed to AHS and Recovery Alberta. The OPS has since closed, effective April 1, 2025, but remains the subject of a court review.

The agency was previously known as the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society.

—

READ MORE

• As deaths mount, Overdose Awareness Day means more for Red Deerians experiencing substance use
• Overdose deaths continue upward trend, Turning Point hosting awareness event
• Plarning donation gives comfort to those who have very little
• Naloxone training offered, vigil held for International Overdose Awareness Day

—