PRINCE GEORGE - British Columbians needing to travel for specialized health care will benefit thanks to $1.5 million in funding for Hope Air, announced Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, on behalf of Health Minister Terry Lake.
Hope Air, a registered national charity, arranges free flights to those who can’t afford the cost of an airline ticket to get to medical expertise or specialized medical technologies outside their home communities.
“We recognize that sometimes British Columbians must travel for the care they need,” said Lake. “This funding ensures that patients of all ages have access to the specialized services they need to get well, no matter where in the province they live.”
Hope Air arranges flights through participating commercial airlines for those in financial need with a confirmed medical appointment. In 2014, 5,098 flights were arranged through Hope Air, and for the first three months of 2015, 1,668 trips were organized.
Those needing travel assistance can contact Hope Air online at www.hopeair.ca or by calling 1 877 346-HOPE. To access its services, a patient must demonstrate financial need, be a B.C. resident and have Medical Services Plan coverage.