Patient Travel and Lodging

by Altheada Johnson, New York

There are lots of good people in the world. One of them is Edward R. Boyer, President and founder of the national charity Mercy Medical Airlift (MMA). The goal of MMA is to ensure access for all to distant specialized evaluation, diagnosis or treatment within the United States. Financial hardship should no longer deny access. MMA provides 70% of all charitable medical air transportation in the U.S. www.mercymedical.org

Modes of Medical Air Transportation include: Air Ambulance, Airline Travel (up to three weeks notice needed), and Angel Flight Travel (usually five days advanced notice needed.) A family member can accompany the patient.

To get more information about travel assistance call the National Patient Travel Helpline 1-800-296-1217, visit www.patienttravel.org or e-mail mercymedical@erols.com Advice and referral are available based on the specifics of the patient’s need.

The National Association of Homes that Help and Heal (NAHHH) was established in 1986 to provide family-centered lodging and support services to families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment far from home. The NAHHH promotes and assists not-for-profit programs to provide lodging at little charge or no fee for a stay near treatment. There are 500 homes in the U.S. that are a part of this program, including Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Fisher Houses on military bases, and Children’s Inn at the NIH.

The Hospitality House Helpline 1-800-542-9730 or visit www.nahhh.org