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Province announces almost $2 million in annual funding for HERO

Local HERO Foundation helicopter.

FORT MCMURRAY – The Province of Alberta has announced almost $2 million in annual funding for the Fort McMurray-based Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation (HERO).

It’s part of a new five-year contract with Alberta Health Services and doubles the current provincial annual funding for HERO.

The announcement was made on Thursday alongside a new contract with Medicine Hat-based Helicopter Air Lift Operation (HALO).

Last week, the UCP government also increased funding for STARS Air Ambulance to $15 million annually.

“These contract changes mean better integration within the provincial air ambulance system, improved oversight and equitable and sustainable funding levels among all three helicopter air ambulance providers in Alberta,” reads a press release from the province.

Health Minister Jason Copping stated HERO and HALO offer a lifeline for rural communities.

“Predictable funding, direct contracts with AHS and better integration means sustainable air ambulance services to help Albertans in their moments of need,” he said.

MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo Tany Yao said he has been a strong advocate for the local HERO program and is pleased with the government support.

“Stable, long-term funding ensures this vital service will continue to support our region with unimpeded EMS access to difficult and remote sites in a timely fashion for years to come,” Yao stated.

Local HERO Foundation President Paul Spring is grateful for the additional funding.

“Recognizing the unique role the Local HERO helicopter plays in delivering timely medical care to the residents, workers, recreationalists and travellers in the vast and geographically challenging oil sands region of northeastern Alberta,” Spring stated.

“The Local HERO service is an essential transportation lifeline for the hunters, fishers, trappers and residents of the remote First Nations communities located throughout northeast Alberta. The foundation looks forward to working with Alberta Health to ensure Albertans continue to have timely access to emergency medical care.”

Between 2019 and 2020, HERO flew 62 missions in northeastern Alberta.