Contact:
Jason Merrill
314-286-0302
[email protected]

ST. LOUIS - The Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program awarded 60 roundtrip flights to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation to support community members in need of assistance with transportation for medical services during 2011. 

"We have many patients who will benefit from the generosity of Southwest Airlines. For example, some patients arrive in crisis after experiencing major medical incidents, which leave them unable to independently guide and direct their care. These patients require the presence of a family member to make critical decisions for them. With Southwest's support, we can provide a ticket to that family member if he or she does not have the means to purchase it," says Jim Hoerchler, RN, Barnes-Jewish social work manager. "Another example would be our many patients that must come here from other states for care that they cannot get locally. For those patients that cannot afford the airfare, these free flights enable them to come receive the care they need." 

Through the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program, Barnes-Jewish will be able to provide the 60 roundtrip flights to patients and caregivers deemed qualified for financial assistance and in medical need. 

For more information about the program, contact Hoerchler at 314-362-3063 or [email protected].