Dawson Creek residents recovering from surgery, illness or injury can access medical equipment without having to buy it outright, thanks to a Canadian Red Cross program operating in the community.
At Monday’s regular council meeting, the Red Cross appeared before Dawson Creek city council to highlight its Health Equipment Loan Program, known as HELP, and the role it plays in helping people recover safely at home.
The program provides short-term loans of essential health equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and bath chairs.
For local residents, the service can be particularly helpful when equipment is needed for a limited period following an illness, injury or hospital stay.
The program can also help make hospital discharges smoother by ensuring patients have the equipment they need when they return home.
That can mean fewer financial barriers for people who may otherwise have to purchase equipment they’ll only need temporarily.
The service is supported by Red Cross staff and local volunteers, with the organization working alongside health-care providers and other community partners.
The Red Cross said programs like HELP are an important part of supporting people as they transition from hospital care back into their homes and communities.
For Dawson Creek, the program provides local residents with access to equipment that can help them stay mobile, safe and independent while they recover.
The Red Cross is also highlighting the role volunteers play in keeping the program available to people who need it.
