The six partner municipalities of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) launched a program today to ensure residents in the GPREP service area have continued access to essential items, like food and medication.

The service area includes Beaverlodge, City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith and Wembley.

The COVID-19 Community Care Program: Food & Pharmacy targets vulnerable citizens. This includes those who are unable to visit stores and pharmacies because of self-isolation requirements, as directed by Alberta Health Services. It also includes people without the financial support to purchase essential goods.

“We recognize that these are challenging times for all of our residents,” said Lesley NielsenBjerke, GPREP Information Officer. “This program is dedicated to those at heightened risk who have no other supports available, and are in urgent need of groceries, medication or essential goods.”

Program details and an online request form are available on the GPREP website at gprep.ca/covid19/communitycare. Residents can also call the COVID-19 Community Care Program Hotline at 780-830-7070. Hotline hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Once a request is made, individuals will receive a call back from a program assessor within 24- hours of making their online or phone request. If the request is approved, a driver will deliver the goods. Deliveries will be made within 72-hours.

For those able to pay for their items, the program accepts cheques, and debit and credit cards only.

City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie staff will be utilized as delivery personnel. Safety precautions are in place to protect citizens and drivers. The program will protect the confidentiality of those who participate.

The primary source of information for Albertans about COVID-19 is Alberta.ca/covid19.