Red Deer
City’s ‘Social Diversion Team’ called upon nearly 900 times in first 6 months
Red Deer’s Social Diversion Team making a difference
Since launching in late January of this year, Red Deer’s Social Diversion Team has been making a huge impact by providing help to individuals in distress and reducing the number of non-emergency calls dispatched to emergency first responders.
“In the first six months, the Social Diversion Team responded to 878 events, averaging approximately six calls per day,” says Jeremy Bouw, Safe & Healthy Communities Supervisor for The City of Red Deer. “Each one of these calls represents an event that was diverted from our emergency medical services and policing resources, and also demonstrates our ability to respond to individuals in need with the right resources at the right time.”
Since January, Red Deerians have had the option to call 2-1-1 and press 2 when they see someone that needs non-emergency support, such as someone experiencing mental health issues, addictions crisis or homelessness. Statistics show that the team is having the greatest impact in the city’s downtown core. “We have had really great feedback from downtown businesses, where a majority of our calls stem from,” says Stephanie MacDonald, Program Manager with Safe Harbour. “The Social Diversion Team has been very effective in both working with the individual to connect them with the resources they need, as well as provide positive outcomes for the businesses that have called us.”
The most common issues the Social Diversion Team responds to are related to homelessness, intoxication and mental health. As these Teams are comprised of a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Social Diversion Specialist, they are uniquely prepared and qualified to provide support to these issues. The team connects people with the social services they need, such as housing supports, mental health supports, detox programs and harm reduction resources. “When we launched this program, our goal was to improve community safety by providing a broader spectrum of supports,” says Bouw. “In reviewing the six-month data, it has been demonstrated that the Social Diversion Model has been successful in supporting first responders, the business community, citizens, and the individuals in crisis.”
The program utilizes the 2-1-1 service for dispatch and contracts personnel through Safe Harbour. While the Social Diversion team’s hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. currently, 2-1-1 responds to calls 24/7, and refers them to the proper agency for response.
For more information about the Social Diversion team, please visit www.reddeer.ca/211.
City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer Employee Honoured with Bob Stollings Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions
Annette Scheper, Community & Program Facilitator in the Safe & Healthy Communities Department is The City’s 2025 recipient of the Bob Stollings Memorial Award.
The Bob Stollings Memorial Award is given out each year to a City employee who displays outstanding performance in alignment with The City’s RISE cornerstone values – respect, integrity, service and excellence. Nominations for the award are submitted by fellow coworkers detailing the employee’s achievements professionally and interpersonally, along with letters of support. The award is considered a great honour among City staff.
With an impressive 22-year career, Annette has played a pivotal role in shaping Red Deer’s cultural and special events landscape. Her leadership and innovation have brought thousands of successful events to life, creating lasting traditions that enrich the lives of residents. Her commitment to excellence and resourcefulness has ensured that community initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
One of Annette’s most notable achievements is the development of the Community Loan Program, which provides essential resources for local groups, contributing an annual value of $86,778.95 back into the community. In addition, she has successfully led and executed a variety of large-scale events, demonstrating remarkable problem-solving skills and a dedication to sustainability. From creating elaborate event designs with repurposed materials to managing complex logistics, she continuously sets the standard for excellence.
“Annette exemplifies the best of our organization,” said City Manager, Tara Lodewyk. “Her unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and ability to bring people together has made a profound impact on our city. This award is a testament to her hard work and passion for creating meaningful experiences for our community.”
The Bob Stollings Memorial Award was first established in 1985 and is presented every year to honour Robert (Bob) E. Stollings, a loyal and dedicated City employee from 1960-1984.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino Days Bonus Offers Available for Players from Alberta
Is HNIC Ready For The Winnipeg Jets To Be Canada’s Heroes?
Province to expand services provided by Alberta Sheriffs: New policing option for municipalities
COVID virus, vaccines are driving explosion in cancer, billionaire scientist tells Tucker Carlson
-
Business2 days agoChina, Mexico, Canada Flagged in $1.4 Billion Fentanyl Trade by U.S. Financial Watchdog
-
espionage2 days agoEx-NYPD Cop Jailed in Beijing’s Transnational Repatriation Plot, Canada Remains Soft Target
-
2025 Federal Election2 days agoBREAKING from THE BUREAU: Pro-Beijing Group That Pushed Erin O’Toole’s Exit Warns Chinese Canadians to “Vote Carefully”
-
Daily Caller2 days agoTrump Executive Orders ensure ‘Beautiful Clean’ Affordable Coal will continue to bolster US energy grid
-
Daily Caller2 days agoDOJ Releases Dossier Of Deported Maryland Man’s Alleged MS-13 Gang Ties
-
2025 Federal Election2 days agoAllegations of ethical misconduct by the Prime Minister and Government of Canada during the current federal election campaign
-
Energy2 days agoStraits of Mackinac Tunnel for Line 5 Pipeline to get “accelerated review”: US Army Corps of Engineers
-
Opinion2 days agoLeft Turn: How Viet Nam War Resisters Changed Canada’s Political Compass