Turning Point is hosting a public information session on drug trends in Red Deer on April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The free information session, in collaboration with Central Alberta Addictions Consortium, will be held at Baymont Inn & Suites, formerly Red Deer Lodge.

Turning Point has been holding sessions in communities around Central Alberta since January, with more scheduled in coming months.

“Every presentation has been different. This is the first session for Red Deer,” said Jennifer Vanderschaeghe, executive director of Turning Point, formerly known as Central Alberta AIDS Network.

For example when it comes to naloxone, available in response to fentanyl overdoses, more is known about the program in Red Deer where there’s been more community education, but the conversation in rural communities is just getting started, she said.

Since July, Turning Point has given out 341 naloxone kits and 82 lives have been saved.

Vanderschaeghe said public sessions have attracted people seeking a variety of information.

“I’ve been in rooms where you have a mom who wants some input into how to find her sister who has an addiction and is probably homeless in Edmonton. Then you have people who really don’t understand why people just don’t stop using drugs. And then you have people who are mourning the loss of people who overdosed. You have a full range.”

She said people can ask questions during the presentation, which will run until about 8:30 p.m., or they can wait to ask questions privately after the presentation.

Baymont Inn & Suites is located at 4311 49th Ave.

For more information about the session contact Turning Point at 403-346-8858.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com