On this edition of Journal, we open our eyes to the challenges and needs of those living in some of British Columbia’s most remote communities.
We have highlighted the crisis in healthcare that many of our cities face every time their local ER is unexpectedly closed, or the maternity ward, or the pediatric unit.
But imagine if you lived in a community where there may be limited road access – or no access at all. How do you get food supplies? Medications? Medical attention?
Owen Sitnam, a helicopter pilot and whose father Danny Sitnam founded and built Helijet, saw a need and set out to fill it. In 2021, he formed a non-profit called Helicopters Without Borders to ensure there is a method for marginalized communities and people in distress in British Columbia to access health and wellness services.
For Owen, he didn’t believe it was right that there are children in our province who had never seen a dentist or a doctor. So Helicopters Without Borders started to fly in medical and support teams.
Imagine being excited to see a dentist – the joy and smiles on the faces of these little ones tells you all you need to know.
Last year, they transported health professionals to over 700 clinical sessions, meeting with over 3000 individuals across BC.
By partnering with others, they also support a travelling team of pediatric specialists. And believing food security to be a major issue, they work with charities and food banks across the province, flying in these essentials.
We meet the man behind this wonderful initiative, Owen Sitnam.
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Carole Taylor's Journal is a public affairs dialogue that digs deep into the most pressing issues of our times. For more, see our website at http://www.caroletaylorsjournal.ca.
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