#elevated access

Just so y'all are in the know-

One of the people I follow, the fabulous @aviatrix-ash wants to spread the word about a project that aims to help people get medical care by providing free transportation.

They want to counteract the push to make abortion and gender-affirming care less accessible.

From the Elevated Access website:

We are a non-profit organization that enables people to access healthcare by providing flights on private planes at no cost. Our volunteer pilot network transports clients seeking abortion or gender-affirming care across the United States.

Most people in the United States are within thirty miles of an air strip; at least one small airport with a single runway. The aviation community has been volunteering to provide “angel flights” for cancer patients, victims of natural disasters, and domestic violence survivors for decades. Unfortunately, today there is a growing need for folks to access additional types of assistance. Individuals are facing challenges to their bodily autonomy all over this country. And for those seeking health services, it can mean days of travel, time and wages lost from work, time away from families where they are the primary caregiver, and other significant financial investments. We don’t like that we need to exist, but we know that we can help.

Whether it’s abortion or gender-affirming care, Elevated Access is here to ease the burden and provide transportation for folks to receive life-saving healthcare.

Connect with Elevated Access here:

Or hear more about them in their own words:

Please reblog or share with others who may benefit from this sort of assistance or who are in a place to help support this project!

Elevated Access has the full details of how it works for passengers at their website but the short form is:

You contact an abortion/gender-affirming care support organization (like the Midwest Access Coalition)

(If the organization doesn’t know about Elevated Access, and a ~100-600 mile direct flight might help you get access to the healthcare you need, then let the support organization know about Elevated Access!)

The organization works with Elevated Access to find a pilot and schedule the flight

Elevated Access connects you and your pilot, and you arrange any final details.

You meet the pilot at a small airport (no TSA, no lines, and you don’t have to tell anyone why you’re there). Then you travel from your state with bans to a state where you can get your care.

These aircraft can cost ~$100~400/hr to operate but by FAA law, the pilots cannot receive compensation for these volunteer services. They’re just donating their time, abilities, money, and aircraft for the cause.

These aren’t commercial airline flights, they’re what’s called General Aviation, which means “small” planes and often private pilots. As a licensed pilot w/ about 200 hours flying time in this world I’ll just say that’s a GOOD thing. There are many more GA airports than big commercial hubs, so no matter where you’re located or where you need to go, chances are there’s a small airport within 20 miles. Think of it like a road trip but with a much better view :)

If you or anyone you know needs an abortion or gender affirming care because your state bans it, look at Elevated Access.

Elevated Access is a nonprofit based with volunteer pilots willing to fly those in need to states that provide proper healthcare. It's despicable that it's even necessary, but it's what things have come to.

Link below. Share if someone is in need of it, or even donate if you wish.

About "Elevated Access"

Hey!

Today I learned that if you need to travel for gender affirming or reproductive healthcare, this non-profit can fly you there for free. Here's the link: