Turning Point Society

NightReach is our longest standing program. Currently funded in partnership with Recovery Alberta, this mobile outreach program brings support and services to street involved folks. Each night, two staff walk the downtown core and nearby trail systems. There, they meet people where they are at to offer support, referrals, and items needed to survive. NightReach collaborates closely with our DayReach program and with our Referral and Women’s Specialist roles to ensure the folks they assist in the evening have adequate follow-up during daytime hours.

NightReach is an entry-level position, meaning people don’t need any specific education to join the team. However, education in a related field or experience is a huge asset. Our NightReach team is multidisciplinary. On staff you can find RNs, LPNs, paramedics, students from a variety of programs, folks new to the field, and people who have been working in these roles for years. Ultimately, everyone who works NightReach has a love for the people we support and the work we do.

Let’s dive into 5 facts about naloxone:

1. Naloxone is a medication considered an opioid antagonist that reverses opioid poisonings. Opioids bind to cell receptors, which then activates their effects – which can be life threatening. Being an opioid antagonist means naloxone binds to the same receptors that opioids bind to, but naloxone doesn’t generate any effects like opioids do. Instead, it prevents opioids from binding to the receptors or even kicks them off if they are already bound. When opioids cannot bind to the receptor, they cannot produce their effects. This is how it reverses opioid poisonings.

2. Naloxone only reverses the effects of opioids. It does not reverse the effects of stimulants, benzodiazepines, non-opioid sedatives, or any other kind of drug. Opioids include he**in, fentanyl, carfentanil, oxycodone, hydromorphone, tramadol, and many others. If any opioids are in your home, naloxone should be a part of your emergency kit.

3. Naloxone’s effects last approximately 20 to 90 minutes. The effects of opioids can last longer, which is why we strongly encourage folks to go with paramedics after we respond to their poisoning so they can be monitored. It is possible to reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning and 20 to 90 minutes later they experience another poisoning when the effects of the naloxone wear off and the opioids re-bind to their receptors. It also means that any opioids used after receiving naloxone won’t have an effect or will have a reduced effect for 20 to 90 minutes. It is important to let people know that they’ve been given naloxone when they regain consciousness after a poisoning.

4. Naloxone won’t cause harm if it is given when opioids aren’t the cause of the medical emergency. Naloxone only affects opioid receptors, and if there’s no opioids present, then nothing happens. This is why it is considered extremely safe to use. It has no psychoactive or intoxicating effects and does not cause dependence.

5. Naloxone is safe to use on older adults, kids, and pets. If there are opioids in your home, you should have naloxone. It can reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning if children or pets get opioids into their system. The same for older adults – naloxone is completely safe to use.

The key takeaways are that naloxone is safe for all ages, only works to reverse opioid poisonings, and has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system.

Congratulations to Youth HQ for their monumental 50 years in the community. Over the past five decades Youth HQ has supported our children through programs and mentorship that build capacity and confidence.

The speeches at the anniversary dinner involved not only the adults within the organization but also included the voices of children that have been supported by the organization. Seeing the support Youth HQ has within the community was so fantastic. The night was a great reminder that we are all in this together, building safer and healthier communities.

Thank you for the great event.

Community members are invited to participate in a powerful and immersive Poverty Simulation where participants take on the roles of members of diverse families experiencing poverty.
This impactful experience, hosted by Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA) and facilitated by United Way Central Alberta, is designed to help participants better understand the realities faced by individuals and families living on low incomes in Red Deer.
This hands-on simulation that challenges perceptions, builds empathy, and brings the complexity of poverty to life.
Would you like to take part? Register at https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/poverty-simulator

Each year, Red Deer Action Group Society distributes bus tickets to local agencies through their Donate-A-Ride program. These tickets are given to folks that need to get to appointments, health care, employment, or other social services. Donate-A-Ride isn’t possible without community involvement and sponsorship. If you’d like to get involved to ensure that folks without their own transportation are able to get to where they need to go, consider donating to RDAGS Donate-A-Ride program.

Turning Point has been a recipient of their Donate-A-Ride program for many, many years. This year we were generously gifted 400 bus tickets. Thank you to the Red Deer Action Group Society, and all those who contribute and make this gift possible.

https://rdags.ca/donate-a-ride-red-deer