Everyone, regardless of location or income, should have equal access to health care. But, according to the American Hospital Association1, “[Every year,] 3.6 million people in the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers.” In fact, transportation is said to be the third leading cause of missing a medical appointment.
“We help solve this problem,” says Lindsey Kerr, Executive Director of LifeLine Pilots, who frequently fly passengers to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “The transportation barrier to healthcare can be reduced with the increased awareness of volunteer pilot organizations, who provide free flights for people in need.”
For almost 40 years, LifeLine Pilots has been facilitating free flights, covering 10 states in the Midwest. People with medical and humanitarian needs are flown at no cost to the passenger. This is possible because of generous volunteer pilots who donate their time, aircraft and fuel.
“Only 5% of those with a need are being served by organization’s like ours,” says Kerr. “If you have a medical appointment or treatment that is a burden for you to travel to, we can help. The more people who are aware of our free service, the more passengers we can help.”
If you, or someone you know, could use this free service, contact the LifeLine Pilots’ Mission Coordinator at 800-822-7972 or complete the online application at lifelinepilots.org/flight-request
Since 1981, LifeLine Pilots (LLP) has provided no-cost air transportation for financially distressed passengers with medical and humanitarian needs. Over almost four decades, volunteer pilots have flown five million nautical miles and more than 8,000 missions with a 100% safety record. Missions are facilitated for babies through senior citizens. LifeLine Pilots’ has also participated in relief efforts for natural disasters by transporting volunteers and supplies to areas of need. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, LLP currently serves patients living in the following 10 states: Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. The organization is a 501 (c)(3) charity that is privately funded by individuals, corporations and foundations.
Lindsey Kerr, Executive Director of LifeLine Pilots is available for interviews. Contact her at lindsey@lifelinepilots.org or 800-822-7972.
“LifeLine Pilots…the shortest distance between home and hope!”
1 http://www.hpoe.org/Reports-HPOE/2017/sdoh-transportation-role-of-hospitals.pdf