Where you live should not determine if you live

Across Canada, people’s experiences with healthcare can be vastly different. Each province and territory has a unique health plan that dictates which services, medications, and procedures are covered.

Some regions have higher concentrations of health centres and care providers than others; 22 percent of Canadian adults do not have access to a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner.

This uneven distribution leaves many people in Canada a long distance from hospitals—and for those in need of specialized care, the distance can be even greater.

Some patients are unable to attend vital appointments or life-saving treatments, which puts their well-being at risk.

Research shows that the earlier you are diagnosed and treated the better your chance of a successful outcome.

It also shows that 30% of Canadians require access to specialized care. For a wide range of medical conditions, being treated by a general practitioner leads to worse health outcomes.

In addition, follow up care and adherence to a treatment plan are critical in ensuring positive health outcomes.

No Patient Left Behind

In 2023, Hope Air fulfilled 24,988 travel arrangements, helping 2,950 patients from 560 communities access essential care.

Forty-five percent of our patients indicate that without Hope Air’s support, they would have missed four or more days of work to reach the care they required.

With an average household income of $45,000, missing work for care is a significant hardship for patients and their families as expenses associated with medical travel can range between $2,000-$4,000 per trip, depending on the distance and length of stay.

This year we are seeing the need soaring higher than ever before. It will be felt across the country, as our health systems navigate shortages of healthcare providers, economic hardship, and a limited capacity to support people in more remote places.

Travel Arrangements

Communities Served

Patient & Caregiver Trips

Better Health. Reduced Poverty. Stronger Communities.

Better Health

Rob, Hope Air patient, Timmins, Ontario

“For the first time the fact that we lived in this beautiful part of the world meant we were at a disadvantage.

Flying me back and forth meant I could focus on my health and recovery. Today I’m in remission.”

Reduced Poverty

Mackenzie, mother to Hope Air Patient Scarlett, Charlottetown, PEI

“Without Hope Air, I would probably have stayed away from home, at the hospital in Halifax to try and save some money.

This would have made me feel very isolated, but I don’t think I would have had a choice.”

Stronger Communities

Cindy, mother to Hope Air patients Jayden and Logan, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

“We would have had to move to Toronto without support from our friends and family. It really helped our mental health and well-being to have our support system close at home in St. John’s.”