Paul Carolan (Left), CEO for HALO helicopter air ambulance and Tarolyn Aaserud (right), chief administrative officer Cypress County, are on site at the county's offices when HALO's BK-117 twin-engine helicopter touches down on Wednesday afternoon for a press conference. Cypress County has announced significant funding for HALO.-- SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPERS PHOTO
Cypress County announced a multi-year funding agreement for HALO on Wednesday that will cover up to 10% of the helicopter air ambulance service’s annual budget.
Cypress County council approved a one-time investment of $250,000 for HALO to help compensate for the fundraising challenges the organization has experienced during the pandemic, and furthered its commitment to the program with a new investment of $300,000 in each of the next three years.
“Cypress County is very excited to work with HALO. It is a vital asset for citizens and visitors alike,” said Tarolyn Aaserud, chief administrative officer for Cypress County. “As a southeastern Albertan I feel so blessed that Cypress County has chosen to enter into this partnership.”
Cypress County Reeve Dan Hamilton said in a press release the investment is a commitment to a fair and equitable funding model for HALO. In the last four years, HALO has responded to more than 30% of the annual calls for services, such as air ambulance, search and rescue, fire and law enforcement support, plus disaster response within the county between 2018 and 2021.
HALO CEO Paul Carolan called the announcement a significant step in securing operational funding through partnerships with municipalities in HALO’s response area, and also the provincial government.
The plan is for each partner to provide about one third of the current $3-million annual budget, said Carolan. This will enable HALO to continue to provide life-saving helicopter emergency medical services throughout Cypress County and southern Alberta.
Carolan called it a “game changer,” as it provides dependable financing for operations after announcing last May it was at risk of ceasing operations by the summer and ultimately relying on community fundraising to stay in the air. He added it also speaks to the provincial government in terms of its necessary financial support.
“It demands a response from them,” said Carolan.
Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, was at the announcement Wednesday afternoon when a HALO helicopter landed at the county’s offices. She says she has been talking with Health Minister Tyler Shandro about funding for HALO and is “feeling hopeful” there will be government financial support.
Glasgo says a review of EMS funding by Alberta Health has been delayed due to the pandemic, but thought there was a possibility of something happening within a couple months.
HALO chair Dale Thacker says the funding from Cypress County allows it to plan into the future and solidify its program. This allows HALO to operate while also focusing on additional aspects of the organization, as opposed to continually working on raising the necessary funds to meet the budget.
In October 2019 HALO’s budget was $2.6 million operating the BK-117 twin-engine helicopter. Its budget is currently $3 million annually.
Thacker says the additional $400,000 makes the operational budget “bullet proof.” Previously the organization made it work with whatever it could, but it is now able to make long-term decisions.
Thacker says HALO weathered a tough storm financially last summer and has proven itself sustainable.
“Cost effective and good value,” said Thacker. “We won’t disappoint on delivery.”
HALO is a helicopter medevac service based in Medicine Hat and has been dedicated to southern Alberta since 2007.
