Southwest Airlines Expands Medical Transportation Grant Program

Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that 79 nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations across the United States have been selected for the carrier’s medical transportation grant program.

Throughout 2018, patients and their caregivers at facilities selected for the program will receive roundtrip tickets as a way to help alleviate travel expenses related to medical issues. A full list of the participating hospitals and organizations can be found on Southwest’s official website.

Through Southwest’s medical transportation program, the airline will reach a total of 100 facilities across 26 states and 41 cities. Since its inception in 2007, the program has donated more than 69,000 roundtrip tickets valued at more than $27.6 million.

“Southwest is proud to continue to offer travel assistance to those patients and caregivers in need through our Medical Transportation Grant Program,” Southwest Airlines senior vice president Linda Rutherford said in a statement. “Travel is often a critical part of getting patients the care they need—we hope to make that journey just a little bit easier for those families in such a trying time.”

“Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program has been a tremendous support to MD Anderson Cancer Center,” MD Anderson president Peter WT Pisters, M.D. said. “Their support over the last 10 years has enabled many of our patients to avoid the financial worry about transportation costs, and for that, we and our patients are extremely grateful.”

Patients and caregivers who want to learn more about qualifications for travel assistance should contact the social work, travel/concierge service or patient assistance departments at the participating hospitals and medical organizations.

The program is part of Southwest’s commitment to having a positive impact on patients and caregivers around the country.