Remembering Lives Lost to Overdose in Red Deer
Community members gathered at Rotary Park in Red Deer for International Overdose Awareness Month, honoring those lost and calling attention to the ongoing opioid crisis. The event coincided with the announcement that Turning Point’s provincial funding will end November 1st, raising deep concerns about the future of local harm reduction services.
Speakers shared stories of loss, resilience, and the urgent need for accessible supports. Jenn McCrindle, representing Reclaim Collective, spoke powerfully about the importance of evidence-based approaches, questioning the effectiveness of the government’s recovery model and urging greater accountability for policies that impact vulnerable populations.
The gathering served as both a memorial and a call to action—bringing together families, advocates, and organizations to remember, to stand in solidarity, and to push for meaningful change.