Since April 2024, the Alberta RCMP’s Community Safety and Well-being Branch (CSWB) has been piloting a health-focused program across parts of central Alberta to support individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
The Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) is a collaborative initiative between the Alberta RCMP, the Government of Alberta and Recovery Alberta, designed to provide early intervention, medical treatment and long-term support to those impacted by the opioid crisis.
The Red Deer-based pilot consists of two outreach teams, each composed of an RCMP officer and a paramedic, who serve Red Deer, Innisfail, Blackfalds and Sylvan Lake. Their mission is to connect vulnerable individuals with treatment options, counselling and life-saving medications.
The RCMP’s role goes further than initial contact. When individuals are arrested and held in police custody, they are offered the option to begin treatment immediately.
Medications like Suboxone and Sublocade are administered to those who consent, helping them manage withdrawal symptoms and begin their recovery process while still in custody.
Since its launch, the program has made nearly 2,500 referrals and touchpoints with individuals, connecting them with treatment and care services.
“While accountability for criminal actions is necessary, the Alberta RCMP recognizes that opioid addiction is part of larger social and health issues that require long-term supports,” the RCMP stated.
“Often people facing addictions are among offenders who land in a cycle of criminality. As first responders, our officers are frequently in contact with these individuals. We are ideally placed to help connect those individuals with the VODP.”
The VODP ensures same-day access to medication and transition support for opioid treatment. Services are available to individuals across Alberta, regardless of location, through the program’s virtual infrastructure.
More information is available at the VODP website.
With information from Alberta RCMP.
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