Cypress County grateful for HALO funding announcement

Posted on 31 March 2022 by Prairie Post

After years of support from both the public and regional governments, Cypress County is grateful to receive today’s news of provincial funding for HALO Air Ambulance.

HALO is vital as it is the only dedicated medivac helicopter for Southern Alberta. The availability of the helicopter reduces response times to trauma victims in remote or inaccessible area and increases coverage areas for delivering qualitative medical care. The remoteness of our region, the lack of landing strips, and the limited availability of other emergency air rescue helicopters was the impetus behind HALO Air Ambulance.

“Both publicly and behind the scenes, we’ve advocated for this sustainable funding,” says county Reeve Dan Hamilton. “From the county’s annual $300,000 funding contribution to supporting fundraising efforts, it wasn’t easy. But supporting our region and our residents is what we do.

“Thanks to everyone in the county and beyond who has stepped up to help make this funding announcement a reality. The provincial government listened, from the premier and Health Minister Jason Copping to all the ministers we talked to anytime we had a chance. We appreciate the work of our local MLA’s Michaela Frey and Drew Barnes on this issue. Southeastern Alberta counties including 40 Mile, Newell, Special Areas, and others also spoke loudly to officials.

“But most importantly, our residents made it blazingly clear that they wanted HALO: They spoke with their wallets, supporting incredible levels of fundraising to keep HALO in flight for their lives. They spoke to me and other elected officials about how important our advocacy work was.

“We always knew the quality of these people, but it gives me great pride to stand along with them, and to celebrate this news.

“We wish HALO many more years of service to our communities. We will always have their back, as they have ours.”