Program Hours
- Open 24-7
About
Turning Point Society operates Central Alberta’s only Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), a hygienic space where individuals can orally consume, snort, or inject pre-obtained drugs in a hygienic environment under the supervision of trained staff. The site offers community members low-threshold access to basic health care and harm reduction education, as well as referrals to community health and social services.
The OPS was initially set up on October 1, 2018, as a temporary health service intended to quickly respond to Red Deer’s increased overdose fatalities. While the site still remains temporary, the OPS has since had a total of 136,863 visits, of which, 4,314 resulted in adverse events requiring naloxone or oxygen (as of March 31, 2022). To date, the OPS has had zero on-site fatalities.
The site currently operates out of a temporary ATCO trailer in the parking lot of Safe Harbour Society and we are grateful for the opportunity to rent this space.
Liaisons
In addition to the services offered on-site, our team of Overdose Prevention Site liaisons conducts a clean-up sweep of sharps and other needle debris within a 200-meter radius of the OPS, three times daily. OPS liaisons will also respond to calls for debris cleanups and client mediation within a 500-meter radius of the OPS. Mediation includes serving as a buffer and helping to de-escalate conflicts between clients and businesses.
Service Standards and Licence
To provide supervised consumption services, the Overdose Prevention Site is licensed by the Alberta government and meets the following mandatory quality standards for supervised consumption service providers:
- clinical practice standards
- referral pathways to detox, treatment, and recovery services as well as primary healthcare services
- safety and security
- employee requirements, qualifications, and training
- client rights and expectations for clients (for example, washroom access)
- needle distribution
- needle debris mitigation
- record creation, maintenance, and retention
- community engagement
- facilities or other locations where services are offered or provided
- the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and individually identifying health information
