A Red Deer-based RCMP pilot is connecting people who use opioids with rapid, life-saving care — often in real time, directly in the community.

A pilot program in Red Deer is offering hope to those struggling with opioid addiction, connecting vulnerable individuals with immediate access to treatment and support through the Alberta RCMP’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program.

Launched in April 2024, the initiative is part of the RCMP’s Community Safety and Well-being Branch and is funded by the Government of Alberta.

It delivers same-day medication starts, treatment transitions and ongoing care — all virtually — to those living with opioid dependency in Red Deer, Innisfail, Blackfalds and Sylvan Lake.

The Red Deer VODP team includes two units, each pairing an RCMP officer with a paramedic. These frontline teams operate in the community, responding to drug-related calls, conducting outreach and engaging directly with people using opioids.

Their goal is to bridge the gap between street-level encounters and medical care.

In addition to community outreach, officers are administering Suboxone and Sublocade to individuals in RCMP custody who consent to treatment.

These medications help ease withdrawal symptoms and are recognized as effective tools in treating opioid addiction. The program ensures that even while in custody, individuals have access to ongoing care and resources.

“Part of the Alberta RCMP’s CSWB mandate is the enhancement of public safety through community partnerships,” said Supt. Holly Glassford, Detachment Commander of Red Deer RCMP.

“Through VODP, we are committed to building upon community partnerships with social and health agencies, so that we can increase accessibility to supports in our city and reduce crime in Red Deer. Together we are creating a stronger, safer Alberta.”

Since its launch, the Red Deer VODP has made nearly 2,500 referrals and touchpoints. The impact is already evident in individual success stories.

One man, after being introduced to Suboxone while in custody in October 2024, returned to thank the team months later — reporting he had remained sober and crediting the program with saving his life.

In another case, a 14-year-old girl arrested on warrants in May 2025 was offered treatment after being found using opioids downtown. She was referred to the VODP and administered Sublocade. Follow-up feedback from her family and care providers was positive.

The program also chairs a quarterly Vulnerable Populations Working Group, bringing together local stakeholders to coordinate care and address broader community needs.

By pairing enforcement with support, the Alberta RCMP aims to interrupt the cycle of addiction and criminality — offering individuals a chance to stabilize, heal and begin recovery.