FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Angel Flight West Recognizes Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) for Patient Navigation Partnership
[Seattle, Washington] — On May 15, Angel Flight West volunteer pilot and board member Trevor Moody and Director of Outreach Russell Stearns presented Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) with the 2026 Community Partnership Award at the Virginia Mason Medical Center Hospital Leadership Forum, recognizing the critical role of the organization’s patient navigators, case managers, and social workers in connecting patients to lifesaving air transportation.
Often working behind the scenes, these care teams serve as the essential link between medical need and flight coordination — helping ensure patients can access the care they need when distance becomes a barrier. Their advocacy and coordination enable Angel Flight West’s volunteer pilots and airline partners to safely and efficiently transport patients and companions across the region.
“Your teams are the ‘requesters’ who bridge the gap between a medical need and a flight,” said Stearns. “You advocate for your patients, and you make it possible for us to do this work together. Our pilots and airline partners couldn’t do any of this without your dedication to the families you serve.”
Over the past 10 years, Angel Flight West and VMFH have worked together to support 49 unique passengers and 40 companions, resulting in 292 completed flights via volunteer pilots and commercial airline partners. These missions have covered more than 52,835 miles — the equivalent of more than twice around the world — representing miles of hope, healing, and access to care.
“We are honored to receive the 2026 Community Partnership Award from Angel Flight West,” shared Mike Cox, Chief Mission Officer for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the Northwest Region of CommonSpirit Health. “This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our patient navigators, case managers, and social workers who demonstrate our value of Collaboration by partnering with Angel Flight West to ensure that when time is of the essence, our patients have access to the lifesaving care they need, no matter the distance.”
Angel Flight West connects volunteer pilots with passengers requiring transportation for medical treatment, specialty care, and humanitarian needs across the western United States. Founded in 1983, the organization has coordinated more than 110,000 flights and served over 30,000 passengers.
About Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West coordinates free non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. Through a network of volunteer pilots and commercial airline partners, Angel Flight West helps patients access life-saving medical care and other essential services across the western United States.
To learn more about requesting a flight as a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, visit angelflightwest.org.
AFW Media Contact:
Jessica Hayes
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(310) 390-2958
