DALLAS -- Southwest Airlines announced today that nearly 30 hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in its Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest is proud to announce the Company has increased its giving by 23 percent in 2010, the program's third year. In total, the airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to 29 medical organizations who then provide tickets to patients and family members in need. The grant list includes 11 hospitals and three medical transportation charities that assist patients nationwide. This year, Southwest has added hospitals in Philadelphia and Denver. To see a full list of recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/cares.

"Southwest Airlines cares about our Customers and the Communities we serve," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. "We are proud to provide much-needed assistance to families in need during a difficult time."

To read an excerpt from a few of the families who received free transportation through a grant in 2009, visit Southwest Airlines Nuts About Southwest blog: blogsouthwest.com. To learn about qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, which each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets.

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