A program that supplies medical equipment and aid to post-surgical patients across northern Alberta and the Peace Region is at risk of shutting down due to critically low volunteer numbers. Without more volunteers, approximately 500 people recovering from injury or surgery will be forced to travel longer distances for support.
Program Details
The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides essential medical equipment to individuals recovering from surgery or injury. The Dawson Creek, B.C., location serves clients across a vast region stretching from northern Alberta into the Yukon.
Vicky Paul, volunteer coordinator for the program in Dawson Creek, explained the situation: "They will come and get equipment or let us put equipment in their department so people can pick it up all week. It's a really good mutual program."
Volunteer Shortage
"Unfortunately, we are rapidly losing people due to age, others moving out of the Dawson Creek area. I'm concerned that if we can't keep this service viable here, people will have to go to the Fort St. John depot for their equipment," Paul said. "We're down volunteers, some are stepping back. It's really going to be a tight situation around here."
Without additional volunteers, the service currently operating from a small space on the third floor of Dawson Creek Hospital would have limited support, with remaining locations in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and Fort St. John. Beyond those, the nearest depot is in Edmonton.
Impact on Patients
"They may have to travel for their equipment, like to Fort St. John, or I'm not even sure what they'll do if they don't have access here for physio and doctors discharging. That's been a little bit of a gray area," Paul added.
Questions also remain about the program's future once the new Dawson Creek hospital opens. "It's a good question people should start asking — if we are going to be in the new hospital here," Paul said, noting that without local access, approximately 500 people would have fewer options.
Call for Volunteers
The Red Cross is seeking community members willing to volunteer their time to maintain the Dawson Creek service. For more information on volunteering or supporting the program, contact the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program.
