Boston-Specific Resources

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) — The website of the "T" provides maps and schedules for Boston-area public transportation.

Massport.com — Updated flight departure and arrival information at Boston's Logan International Airport. You may also want to read up on their Airport Medical Patient Assistance Program.

Metro Cab — Boston cab company with fleet of handicapped-accessible vans.

The Boston Globe online

If staying in the private home of a volunteer host is something you are not interested in or comfortable with, you may want to visit these sites or contact these organizations:

• Boston Hospital Housing Network — The Boston Hospital Housing Network was established in 2003 as a coalition of organizations with a common mission. Its members providing a diverse range of housing options for patients and their families when they travel to Boston for medical care.
• bostonapartments.com — Short-term, furnished apartment search in Boston
• Craigslist — Classified ad site with listings for apartment rentals and sublets; a useful place to post ads, too
• Travelers Aid Boston — 617- 542-7286 or tasbost@aol.com. For families who find themselves homeless and on the street, at police stations, or in hospitals in the middle of the night, Travelers Aid Family Services (TAFS) provides temporary emergency shelter, placing families in motels while they pursue longer-term solutions.
• Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony — 781-449-5302, www.bnbboston.com
  A reservation service for bed and breakfasts, furnished apartments, and other accommodations throughout the Boston area. Contact them directly to discuss rate options.

Useful Nonprofit Links

Air Care Alliance — Nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations dedicated to community service.

Angel Flight Northeast — A non-profit charitable organization that provides air transportation in private aircraft flown by volunteer pilots who donate their time and aircraft so that children and adults may access needed medical care free of charge. Angel Flight is available to patients and family members whose financial resources do not permit them to travel by regular commercial transportation, who are unable to use public transportation because of their medical condition or who live in remote areas where public transportation is not available. Patients must be medically stable and ambulatory and able to board the aircraft with little or no assistance. Flights are provided as often as necessary to meet the patient’s medical needs.To request a flight contact Angel Flight NE at 800-549-9980 or info@angelflightne.org.

Boston Foundation for Sight — The mission of the Boston Foundation for Sight is to advance the development of its therapeutic, sight-restoring contact lens devices for people visually disabled by corneal diseases and
to make them available to all who can benefit from their use regardless of their ability to pay or where they live.

National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses — An association of more than 150 nonprofit organizations located throughout the U.S. that provide family-centered lodging and support services to families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment far from their home communities.

National Patient Travel Center — Provides a variety of services to those seeking a way to travel long-distances for specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. National Patient Travel Helpline: 1-800-296-1217 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

NeedyMeds — NeedyMeds, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, is a comprehensive resource for people who need help paying for healthcare and prescription medication costs. NeedyMeds provides current and accurate information on over 2100 brand name and generic drugs covered by patient-assistance programs with specific guidelines relating to each program. The program also maintains a national listing of free and low-cost healthcare clinics and other organizations that provide financial assistance for a variety of diagnoses and health conditions. The NeedyMeds website lists links to organizations that provide help in filling out applications for aid and information about where to obtain discount drug cards as well as coupons for medications, as well as a free drug discount card that can be printed from the website. This card is available to anyone needing assistance paying for medications.