Temporary overdose prevention site opens in Red Deer
The doors have opened on Red Deer’s newest tool to help save lives in the midst of the opioid crisis gripping the nation.
Red Deer’s first-ever temporary Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) opened at noon Monday at the Safe Harbour Society (5246 53 Avenue).
The facility is an ATCO trailer outfitted to provide a safe, hygienic space for people to consume previously-obtained drugs. Turning Point staff trained and able to provide immediate life-saving measures will be on-hand to monitor consumption and, when needed, provide emergency assistance.
According to Alberta Health Services, Red Deer has the most fentanyl-related poisoning deaths per capita among municipalities in Alberta, at 44.7 per 100,000 person hours.