In Red Deer, Alberta’s government is increasing access to recovery-oriented care by launching several new initiatives within the community.

Alberta’s government has built a system of care based on the belief that recovery is possible for those suffering from the disease of addiction. The focus has been on reducing barriers to recovery by increasing capacity and ensuring that no one is forced to pay for life-saving addiction treatment. Since 2019, the province has added more than 10,000 new addiction treatment spaces. It has also removed financial barriers and pioneered a program for immediate, same-day access to life-saving evidence-based treatment medication.

Red Deer is home to Alberta’s first of 11 recovery communities being built by the province. This facility opened its doors in May 2023 and has become a beacon of hope for those suffering from addiction, along with their families. Red Deer was also the first in Alberta to open a Therapeutic Living Unit within its correctional center. This means the recovery community model of treatment has been adopted in corrections, lowering the chances of reoffending and breaking the cycle of addiction and crime in individuals’ lives. Access to opioid agonist therapy has been expanded to police cells through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program and can also be administered by specialized paramedics with support from the province.

Earlier this year, Red Deer city council put forward and passed a motion requesting a transition of the drug consumption site to instead implement options focused on health, wellness and recovery.

In response to this request, Alberta’s government has committed $3.4 million to provide the following:

• A Mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinic operated by Recovery Alberta, located in the homeless shelter parking lot. This will offer screening, diagnosis and referral to services; access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program; and education, naloxone kits and needle exchange.
• A Dynamic Overdose Response Team of paramedics and licensed practical nurses to monitor a designated area of the Safe Harbour shelter facility, as well as the surrounding block.
• Recovery coaches in and around the homeless shelter to provide outreach services and help guide individuals along the path of recovery.
• Enhancements to medically supported detox capacity in partnership with Safe Harbour that will help more people safely withdraw from substances so they can continue their pursuit of recovery.

In addition, Alberta’s government recently provided more than $1.2 million over the next two years to the Red Deer Dream Centre to support 20 additional publicly funded addiction treatment beds.

“Our government will always listen to and take seriously the feedback we receive from elected local leaders. This is a well-thought-out plan that aligns with Red Deer’s needs and requests, which is why the province is making these changes and increasing support for the community. We remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of Albertans while actively supporting connections to treatment and recovery.”

“Our council is pleased to see this new path forward for recovery-oriented services in Red Deer. At the heart of our council’s and community’s efforts is the belief that recovery is possible for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. This is a complex challenge and only by working with all our partners at the province, agencies, businesses, faith communities and all Red Deerians will we create a safe, healthy and prosperous community. We look forward to close collaboration with the province as these changes are made.”

Alberta’s government is working closely with the City of Red Deer, Safe Harbour Society, Recovery Alberta and others to implement these supports starting this fall.

Since October 2018, the Red Deer drug consumption site has been operating at a temporary site within an ATCO trailer in the parking lot next to Safe Harbour Society’s detox building. As requested by the city council, the drug consumption site will be transitioned out of Red Deer once all other services are operational, which is anticipated to be in spring 2025. The program expansion for recovery services represents a net increase in programming and staffing.

“We look forward to bringing a new service to Red Deer with the opening of a Mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinic. With this and the new outreach services being put in place, Recovery Alberta will provide opportunities for those facing addiction and mental health issues to access support on an ongoing basis.”

“I am pleased to see that Alberta’s government is working collaboratively with our local government and service providers. This plan ensures we prioritize Red Deer’s needs while also supporting individuals in their pursuit of recovery.”

“Red Deer is a beautiful community with wonderful families and individuals. Transitioning the drug site out of Red Deer and focusing on recovery is the right thing to do. Thank you to the Government of Alberta and Red Deer City Council for leading, listening and doing what is right.”

“We are pleased to partner with Alberta’s government, Recovery Alberta and the City of Red Deer to increase access to addiction and detox services for those accessing supports at Safe Harbour. This partnership profoundly enhances our capacity to meet the needs of community members challenged by addiction and to support them in their recovery journey.”

Alberta is making record investments and removing barriers to recovery-oriented supports for all Albertans, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. This includes the addition of more than 10,000 new publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, expanded access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program—which provides same-day access to life-saving treatment medication—the removal of daily user fees for publicly funded live-in treatment, and the construction of 11 world-class recovery communities.

Quick facts

• Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list.

Related information

• Alberta Recovery Model
• Recovery communities

Related news

• City Council requests the Province of Alberta make changes to OPS in Red Deer (Feb. 16, 2024)

Evolution coming to Red Deer Advocate print publication

The Red Deer Advocate is evolving. To better serve residents of Central Alberta, we’re transitioning to a new publishing schedule. Starting the first week of October, we’ll print the Advocate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Our commitment to daily news coverage remains strong, and you can continue to stay updated online every day at www.reddeeradvocate.com.

“We’re making this change to focus our efforts on providing more in-depth local news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories,” said publisher Daria Zmiyiwsky. Our Tuesday, Thursday and Friday edition will be discontinued, effective October 2.

Moving to a bi-weekly paper is the biggest change in the Red Deer Advocate’s 117-year history. The decision is a strategic move to maximize the sustainability of the current newspaper and ensure it will continue well into the future.

For over a century, the Advocate has been a steadfast voice for Central Alberta, covering local, provincial, and national news. We’ve witnessed and documented history’s highs and lows, from world wars to economic shifts. We’ve held those in power accountable, championed transparency, and celebrated the incredible achievements of our community. As well, we have shared personal and collective tragedies and triumphs.

With the continued support from the people of our communities, the Advocate will continue to celebrate our rights and expose the wrongs, cheer for our teams, honour our citizens, and support our communities, local businesses,  organizations, and non-profits.

“While we’re saddened to end our daily print edition, our news team is excited to focus on providing even deeper coverage of Red Deer and the surrounding area,” said Managing Editor, Byron Hackett.

“We’ll continue to deliver comprehensive news daily online and twice weekly in print, ensuring we remain your trusted source of local information.”

Readers can expect the same great coverage of local news, sports, entertainment, leisure, obits, and classifieds, event announcements, and much more.

Zmiyiwsky is committed to the community and our loyal readers.

“It’s the people of Red Deer and Central Alberta that drive the Advocate,” she said. “We are simply a vessel to carry those stories to our dedicated readers and we will work diligently to grow and ensure the Advocate remains an integral voice in our community.”

Regards,

Byron Hackett
Managing Editor, Red Deer Advocate

Daria Zmiyiwsky
President – Black Press Media Prairies
Publisher – The Red Deer Advocate