Thursday, August 22, 2024 Uber has entered into a three-year collaboration with Hope Air, the only national charity in Canada that offers travel assistance to Canadians in need who must journey far from home to receive medical care. As the designated rideshare and delivery partner for Hope Air, Uber will contribute to easing the burden of financial stress and logistical challenges associated with long-distance medical travel. Since 2022, Hope Air has utilized Uber’s transportation services as part of its Hope Rides program, which offers subsidized rides for patients traveling between their residences, airports, medical facilities, and accommodations.
Additionally, through the Hope Meals program, Hope Air provides Uber Eats vouchers, enabling patients to have meals delivered directly from local restaurants to their accommodations. This new partnership with Uber will enhance both programs by providing additional funding and resources over the next three years. “Uber’s generous support will have a profound impact on the lives of patients who are already facing significant challenges,” says Mark Rubenstein, CEO of Hope Air.
“For patients who must travel far from home to receive essential medical care, the burden of transportation and meals can add overwhelming stress. Thanks to this partnership with Uber, we offer more than a ride or a meal—we also offer comfort, safety, and peace of mind to those who need it most, allowing them to focus on their health instead of the hurdles to get there.” This collaboration coincides with the introduction of Uber Health in Canada.
Uber Health empowers healthcare organizations to extend patient care beyond clinical settings by simplifying logistical processes. It offers transportation solutions that connect patients and healthcare providers, addressing challenges such as language barriers and technological limitations. Notably, patients do not need to use the Uber app, and communication is available in multiple languages.
Designed with care coordinators and healthcare providers in mind, Uber Health aims to enhance accessibility on a large scale. “Ridesharing and delivery apps like Uber can play an important role in reducing some of the stress that comes with navigating medical care and treatments, especially when families are away from home,” says Zachary Clark, Global Head of Uber Health. “By providing safe, comfortable and reliable transportation along with convenient meal delivery, we want to help ease the burden and costs of travel during a challenging time so people can focus on what truly matters – their health and well-being.
” For the ten million Canadians residing in small, remote, and rural areas, both distance and expense can create substantial obstacles to obtaining medical care. Frequently, these individuals face tough choices between attending crucial medical appointments and supporting their families. Since its founding in 1986, Hope Air has facilitated over 200,000 travel, lodging, and meal arrangements for patients, irrespective of their age or medical condition.
.
