Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA is still hopeful that the government will step in to support HALO, but with his initial deadline for an answer having past, he expects one now in about a week.--SUBMITTED PHOTO COURTESY MARK MENNIE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A local MLA says there is still a possibility of Alberta Health providing interim financial assistance to HALO helicopter ambulance that has been operating in this region for about 12 years.
Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, had been hopeful that an announcement would be made by Tuesday. He says late Monday HALO was asked by Alberta Health officials to supply additional financial and business information and documentation.
“HALO has told me they will have that information together within a week,” said Barnes. “I’m still hopeful.”
Barnes is requesting that the government of Alberta provide $150,000 a month to HALO until the end of August when a review of ambulance helicopter service for Alberta is complete. He says he is confident the review will show that HALO is the most cost efficient way to make the lives of people in southern Alberta safer.
“It is something I’m working on every day,” said Barnes, expressing gratitude for all the people who are contributing to assist HALO.
About two weeks ago HALO announced it may close on July 1 due to lack of funds.
Paul Carolan, chief operating officer for HALO, said it will stop using its twin-engine helicopter and return to using only a single-engine machine by the end of May.
HALO has been unable to negotiate operational funding from Alberta Health and its local fundraising activities have been severely restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In all the years of operating there has only been a one-time grant of about $1 million under the NDP government.
Fundraising initiatives across the region have been initiated in the last week. Carolan has said he was not surprised because he is aware of how much HALO means to everyone and he is incredibly grateful to all who are helping.
