Oziel Guerra is a pilot who volunteers with Hope Air, an agency that provides free travel arrangements for people who need to travel long distances for healthcare services. Guerra started volunteering with Hope Air in 2010 and found it to be a way to give purpose to his love of flying by helping others. He heard about Hope Air from a friend and fellow pilot and decided to get involved. Guerra acknowledges that for some people, it’s not just about the money but also about having the time to travel to receive healthcare.
Hope Air has seen a significant increase in the number of requests for help from patients in British Columbia. In 2023, they provided 14,132 travel arrangements, a 145% increase from the previous year. Around one in five people living in Northern and rural communities in B.C. have had to cancel medical appointments due to distance or cost. Hope Air aims to make healthcare more accessible for these individuals by providing free travel arrangements, including flights and accommodation. The agency declared June 17 as Hope Air Day in the province to raise awareness about the work they do.
Around 25% of Hope Air clients are children, highlighting the importance of the organization’s services for families in need. Guerra emphasizes that while pilots play a role in the organization, there are many other people involved in coordinating transportation, lodging, eating, and medical services. Last year, the province provided $10 million to Hope Air to transport cancer patients, demonstrating the government’s support for improving access to healthcare for all British Columbians.
Guerra believes that Hope Air not only helps patients reach healthcare services but also brings equity in healthcare to more people in British Columbia. The agency’s model focuses on providing free travel arrangements for those in need, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from accessing the care they require. Guerra finds fulfillment in using his flying skills to assist those who must travel long distances for medical treatment, and he sees Hope Air as a valuable resource for the community.
In addition to providing free flights and accommodation, Hope Air also coordinates other aspects of travel and medical services for their clients. Guerra recognizes that while pilots like him play a role in transporting passengers, it is the entire team at Hope Air that makes their work possible. By raising awareness about the organization and the services they provide, the hope is to bring more support and resources to help those in need of assistance in accessing healthcare services.
Overall, Guerra’s experience with Hope Air has allowed him to use his passion for flying to make a difference in the lives of those in need of medical care. By volunteering with the agency, he contributes to a vital service that helps individuals in remote and rural communities access healthcare services that they would otherwise be unable to reach. Through Hope Air’s efforts and the support of the community, more people are able to receive the care they need, bringing equity and accessibility to healthcare services in British Columbia.
