University Medical Center Partners with Southwest Airlines for 2014 Medical Transportation Grant Program

Lubbock’s University Medical Center is one of 73 nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities that were selected for the Southwest Airlines 2014 Medical Transportation Grant Program. It is the fourth consecutive year UMC has been chosen for the program.

"Partnering with these hospitals and organizations to provide hope for those dealing with serious illness is an honor for us," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Outreach. "It's touched our hearts to be able to connect our flights with the hospitals' care, and see the amazing difference this unique program is making to families in our communities."

Other Texas hospitals selected for the program include: Children's Medical Center in Dallas, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin and UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.  No hospitals were selected in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program helps lessen the burden of travel expenses for families facing serious illnesses. More than $2.8 million in free transportation will be provided to caregivers and patients this year by Southwest Airlines.