(Re-published)
Is there a better way than simply releasing a person experiencing homelessness from the hospital back onto the street? It creates an endless cycle of emergency room visits and escalating costs, not to mention the challenges the patients face in having a successful recovery.
As we continue to look for solutions to homelessness in our city, a group of community members from different fields and backgrounds met recently to brainstorm and discuss alternatives to the practice of releasing patients into a state of homelessness.
That’s a long way of saying that if someone experiencing homelessness comes to an emergency room with a need for medical aid, the only alternative once treated is to release the patient back onto the street. The chances of recovery are greatly diminished, while the probability of return visits increases. The costs are severe, both to the person experiencing homelessness and to our ever-more expensive health care system.
Spearheading the initiative is Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, a veteran emergency room physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and a Professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta.
Watch this short video to hear from some of those involved and to better understand the concept and learn why there is a growing groundswell of support for this idea.
There are many ways that people can get involved with this initiative. It’s common sense that housing and health are interconnected. Finding solutions to chronic homelessness and easing pressure on our health care system is something we can all get behind.
| Date: | Tuesday, October 15, 2019 |
| Event: | PREVIEW NIGHT – Zed Haunted House |
| Place: | 7414 50th Avenue, Red Deer (Former GoAuto location) |
| Time: | 7:00pm-9:00pm |
Once again Red Deer’s Most Fatal Attraction will open its doors for two weeks to entertain all ages during the Halloween season. The 29th Annual Zed Haunted House presented by Border Paving runs from October 16th through October 31st at the former GoAuto location in Red Deer. This year’s theme is “You’re Never Alone in the Dark” and promises to be a scream.
The event runs each evening during the event from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, with special feature evenings throughout the event. General admission is $15 at the door, with priority entry “Spook Pass” admissions available for purchase online for $20. Group passes (minimum 10 attendees) are also available in advance by calling or visiting Youth HQ.
Afternoon matinees, geared to children under 10 years of age, occur on Saturday and Sunday during the event’s run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Other feature nights include Freaky Friday (October 18), Date Night (October 19), Friday Fright Night (October 25), the Saturday Spooktacular (October 26), Wicked Wednesday (October 30), and a special trick-or-treat edition on All Hallows Eve (October 31).
Midnight Madness returns again this year, sponsored by CARSTAR Red Deer, on Friday, October 25. Running from midnight-2am, the cast prepares to reopen the Haunted House and ups the scare factor. This show is restricted to attendees 18+, with general admission tickets $20 at the door.
John Johnston, Community Engagement Manager for Youth HQ, says the effort put forth by a team of dedicated volunteers has been incredible. “We wouldn’t be able to put on this event without the countless hours of dedication from our volunteers. Between building walls, painting, character training…you name it. The dedication of some really skilled people has made this a success already.”
Volunteers have been busy building the spectacle since late September. We want to acknowledge the numerous returning sponsors for their continued support, including:
Thank you also to the more than 30 other business who are friends and supporters of the event, including the several restaurants who support our cast by providing meals throughout the course of the event.
Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District thanks the community for their continued support of this event. This year’s fundraising goal is $90000, with 100% of proceeds from the Zed Haunted House go to support the ongoing year-round programming of the clubs in 9 communities in central Alberta.
About Boys & Girls Club of Red Deer and District
Boys and Girls Club provides fun after school and out-of-school programs and activities to give young people the opportunities to develop their potential and achieve their dreams. As youth develop positive, healthy relationships with peers, role models and family members, they can become the best versions of themselves and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District was started in 1983, and currently serves over 900 youth in 9 communities around central Alberta.
About Youth HQ
Youth HQ empowers youth by fostering a community of support. Our network seeks to instill young people with confidence in their unique identities and abilities, providing them with skills for life through knowledge, healthy relationships, and quality experiences while providing safe environments to learn and grow. Youth HQ coordinates programming for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer & District and Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer & District, offering numerous programs and services that support children, youth and families.
Looking or something different to do this Halloween?
Volunteer Central and Undercurrent Brewing are teaming for Boo’s + Brews: A Freak-Show Cabaret on October 25, 2019.
The evening is set to include rarely seen in Red Deer circus performers doing freak-show themed acts (when is the last time you saw a contortionist?) an exclusive food and drink menu, raffles, 50/50 and more. This is all in part to help raise funds towards building a thriving community through volunteerism.
Limited tickets are available. Get your friends together to come join us for a disturbingly fun night out unlike anything else being offered in Red Deer. Tickets are just $35. Ticket price gets you 1 drink and hors d’oeuvre, and the creepiest entertainment in town.
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/boos-brews-a-freakshow-cabaret-tickets-73866967087
october, 2019
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Above is just one example of the beautiful art work that you will leave the class with. No Art Experience Necessary! Your choice of colors.
NEXT CLASS IS "KITCHEN SINK"
Oct 17 Thursday 6:30 pm - 8:30pm
Facebook: Create With Me - Acrylic Pour
Instagram: mycreativehealthylife
Register Below:
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk.
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk.
When: October 26, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Maskepetoon Park – Located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West, follow Kerry Wood Drive, meet in the parking lot south of Overand Place. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive.
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
