DALLAS, March 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is embarking on the next era of its life-changing Medical Transportation Grant Program as it celebrates 15 years of providing free travel to families across North America. Through the program, hospitals and medical transportation organizations are able to provide round trip tickets to patients and their caregivers, easing the financial burden many face when it comes to receiving the critical medical care they need.
In 2022, Southwest® is donating more than $4 million in transportation to 76 grant recipients, which leverage a network of over 90 hospitals and medical organizations nationwide. As a thank you for their work in their communities and in celebration of the program's milestone, the airline also is providing organizations an additional 15 tickets to support other critical needs during a time of continued strain.
"Our Heart is focused on taking care of people and making life a little easier for families who are going through trying times in their lives," said Laurie Barnett, Southwest's Vice President of Communications and Outreach. "We are proud to continue providing this critical lifeline for patients and their caregivers because at Southwest we are more than an airline; we are your neighbor."
Since the program began in 2007, the carrier has provided more than $42.6 million in transportation in 46 cities across 28 states.
To learn more about the Medical Transportation Grant Program, including hearing from patients who have benefited from donated transportation, please visit the Southwest Airlines Community.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 55,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest continues to develop tangible steps toward an environmental sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering an opportunity for Customers to contribute toward helping Southwest offset its carbon emissions. For more information, please visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon. Learn more at Southwest.com/citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.
1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded
2) fulltime-equivalent active Employees
3) 1973-2019 annual profitability
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.
