Media Central Corporation Inc. (CSE: FLYY, FSE: 3AT) (“MediaCentral” or the “Company”) today announced that it will provide readers of its leading publications with access to a vast network of remote physicians throughout Canada. This initiative is being rolled out in association with Tia Health. Tia Health is one of Canada’s largest providers of telehealth services through its network of thousands of medical doctors, servicing tens of thousands of patients per month. Services are provided free of charge with a valid health card in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and include: online appointments with Canadian medical doctors, prescriptions, referrals, requisitions, mental health support, on demand test requisitions and results, prescriptions and renewals delivered right to the door.
According to a Statistics Canada report: “In 2017, 15.3% of Canadians aged 12 and older [roughly 5.6 million people] reported that they did not have a regular health care provider they see or talk to when they need care or advice for their health… Overall, the proportion of Canadians reporting that they did not have a regular health care provider remained consistent with 2016 (15.8%).”
Receiving timely access to quality healthcare is difficult in a regular environment; during a pandemic, its proving to be excruciating. In response to COVID-19 and in service to their readers, NOW Magazine (“NOW”) and the Georgia Straight (“the Straight“) – the Company’s flagship titles – have increased omnichannel health and medical care coverage considerably.
“Our alliance with Tia Health provides us with the ability to deliver relevant content, further our relationship with our readers and give back to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brian Kalish, CEO of MediaCentral. “We are very happy to be working with Tia Health in launching this program, which we expect will be the first of many other affiliate based ventures that allow us to leverage our omnichannel assets to engage with readers, and drive value for our advertising partners.”
Effective today, much of the health content provided by NOW and the Straight will include referral links or a call to action which directs readers to Tia Health. On Tia Health the Company’s vast audience will be able to register for free remote medical assistance, when and where they need it. NOW and the Straight will collect an affiliate fee every time a reader or their family engages with one of Tia Health’s remote services. A portion of MediaCentral’s profits will be directed to community-based healthcare in Toronto and Vancouver.
“We are extremely excited to be aligning with two of MediaCentral’s benchmark publications to help provide Canadians access to the health care they so badly need during this time of crisis,” said David Del Balso Co-founder and President of INSIG, Tia Health’s parent company. “As thousands of doctors close their clinics in response to COVID-19, NOW and the Straight are providing a very valuable service in showing Canadians there are options for their care through telemedicine, with Tia Health.”
