juin 16, 2026

For many people living in remote communities, accessing health care can require significant travel, time away from family, and added stress.  

BC Kidney Check, a program developed by the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, is helping to change that by bringing kidney screening and prevention services directly into community using a wellness-focused approach to care. 

This spring, BC Kidney Check visited Flores Island, a small island located off the west coast of Vancouver Island within Clayoquot Sound, which is the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation. Travel to the island, which can only be accessed by water or air, was made possible by Helicopters Without Borders, a Canadian charitable organization that works to improve access to health care and wellness in rural and remote communities. 

The visit highlighted how partnerships can help reduce barriers to care while supporting First Nations communities in accessing health services closer to home. 

Communities served by Helicopters Without Borders across British Columbia.

Improving access through partnership 

Helicopters Without Borders was connected to BC Kidney Check through the late Darrell Ross Jr. (Yemchiss), a member of Tseshaht First Nation, BC Kidney Check patient partner, and member of the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC). A passionate advocate for Indigenous health and community wellness, Darrell helped create connections that continue to support access to care in remote communities today. 

For Carl Faichney, Director of Operations at Helicopters Without Borders (HWB), the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes in remote communities. 

“One area of focus for us is chronic disease management,” Faichney says. “So the opportunity to partner with Kidney Check and their work in screening, prevention, and support was of huge interest to both our organization and the communities we partner with. » 

“HWB’s mission is to promote health and wellness for [people in] remote and rural [areas] and while we can offer solutions to the problem of access, it’s partnerships with organizations like Kidney Check that allow that ambition to be truly realized,” he adds. 

Bringing screening into community 

For people in remote communities, early detection programs can be difficult to access when hospitals and clinics are located far from home. Bringing screening directly into community helps reduce those barriers while creating opportunities to build relationships and trust. 

« The opportunity to offer consistent care in community and reduce travel stress for community members is certainly important, » says Faichney. « Bringing services that people may not necessarily seek out if they are far away represents a great opportunity to prevent future burden of disease. » 

Faichney also emphasizes the importance of delivering care in a way that respects community priorities. 

« [To be able] to bring screening to people’s communities, on their terms, is a true privilege and of great value in building relationships and engagement. » 

For Cynthia MacDonald, Projects and Programs Lead at Can-SOLVE CKD, partnerships like this are essential to helping BC Kidney Check reach communities where access to health care can be challenging. 

« Partnerships like this one with Helicopters Without Borders help us bring kidney screening and prevention services directly into very remote and hard to access communities in ways that support relationship-building and culturally safe care, » MacDonald says. « By working together, we can help reduce barriers to access and support earlier detection, kidney health education, and intervention. » 

Looking ahead 

As BC Kidney Check continues to expand its reach across British Columbia, both organizations hope the partnership will provide lasting benefits for First Nations communities. 

« I hope the program will be something the communities can rely on, » says Faichney. « I hope community members can achieve a higher quality of life and a longer healthspan through early detection, prevention, and support for those already living with chronic kidney disease. » 

Most importantly, he hopes the partnership continues to be guided by respect and community relationships. 

« I hope communities will find value, respect, and humility in the partnership—so much so that they continue to invite us back. » 

Through collaboration, community partnerships, and a commitment to bringing care closer to home, BC Kidney Check and Helicopters Without Borders are helping support healthier futures for First Nations communities across British Columbia.