Harm Reduction Saves Lives

Turning Point Society has operated various programming over the years, addressing issues such as the HIV crisis, homelessness, safer sex, street level substance use and sex work. While we are still engaged in these types of low barrier supports, signficant recent changes in Alberta's Health system and funding priorities have impacted our ability to offer services. In August 2025 our agency received a three month notice from Primary and Preventative Care to close essential programming which included our core Health Promotion & STBBI programming (both locally and rurally), and our Vulnerable Women's Program funding. This loss of core funding and programming also resulted in the closure of our historic downtown Red Deer drop in space which served many individuals for many years and addressed basic needs and health or social inequities for our vulnerable and houseless community. These recent program closures were due to Alberta Health's province wide system changes and refocusing, and are not a reflection of the quality work and care we have provided our community through the many years of service in operating these essential programs. During our operations of this programming, we consistently met or exceeded grant objectives, kept essential and tidy records, and adhered to all governing bodies standards as a non profit society. Impact reporting (which will be uploaded soon) shows the tremendous results and supports we have provided, the lives we have saved and the health system burdens we diverted. Turning Point also operated Red Deer's Overdose Prevention Site from its opening in 2018 until 2023 when operations were requested to be transferred to AHS and transitioned for closure in 2025. Turning Point contributed to the City of Red Deer's COVID isolation and health supports to housless and vulnerable persons during outbreak and continues to contribute to key emerging community issues as requested and as aligned to do so.