“Picture this: your dentist arriving in a helicopter to provide care in remote communities. This is the mission of Helicopters Without Borders (HWB), a charitable organization in British Columbia dedicated to bringing essential healthcare to hard-to-reach areas accessible only by air or water.
**Flying Towards a Purpose**
Recently, CTV National News accompanied a team from HWB on a journey from Vancouver International Airport to Xa’xtsa or Douglas First Nation. Despite facing adverse weather conditions and delays, the team eventually landed in the small village of Tipella, equipped with a mobile dental clinic and a generator to power up the clinic in an area where electricity was scarce.
“We fly in, set up the clinic wherever we can find a space, all we need is a plug-in and a sink to get started,” explained Cam Robson, a mobile dentist working in collaboration with HWB. Tipella, a community of 120 residents, is a five-hour drive away from the nearest city, making it challenging for residents to access necessary healthcare services such as dental care.
**Providing Access to Care**
For many community members, going to the dentist or doctor involves an all-day journey due to the lack of transportation and financial constraints. Chief Don Harris of Xa’xtsa or Douglas First Nation highlighted the struggles faced by residents in accessing healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like HWB in providing much-needed care within the community.
During the visit, the team treated several patients, including children like Vanessa Linger’s daughter Zoe, who had previously associated dental visits with anxiety and fear. Witnessing her daughter’s relief after receiving treatment, Vanessa expressed gratitude for the convenient and efficient care provided by HWB, allowing Zoe to return to school without missing out on her academic responsibilities.
**A Vision for Impact**
Helicopters Without Borders was established in 2020 by pilot Owen McClung-Sitnam, aiming to bridge the gap between aviation and philanthropy. Over the years, the organization has delivered essential supplies, medical equipment, and healthcare teams to various remote communities, envisioning a future where everyone in British Columbia has access to basic healthcare services regardless of their geographic location.
Looking ahead, HWB plans to expand its services through partnerships and increased visibility, with a goal of reaching more underserved communities in need of healthcare support. Despite facing resource constraints and operational challenges, the team remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
**A Lifeline of Care**
As the team wrapped up their visit to Tipella, having treated 15 patients in a span of 24 hours, they departed with the promise of returning in three months to continue building relationships and providing ongoing care. Through initiatives like HWB, communities like Xa’xtsa or Douglas First Nation have the opportunity to receive quality healthcare that can potentially transform lives and improve overall well-being.
In conclusion, the work of Helicopters Without Borders exemplifies the power of collaboration, compassion, and innovation in addressing healthcare disparities in remote areas. By bringing essential services directly to those in need, organizations like HWB are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.”
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