Uphaven is here to help children and their families access the care they need by providing free, non-emergency transportation.
Especially for first-time passengers, we kindly ask for 5 business days’ notice. This allows us the time it can take to obtain a Treatment Site Verification & Medical Release from the child's physician and submit your flight request to our network of dedicated volunteer pilots. The more advance notice you give us, the better we can plan and serve your travel needs.
We will do everything we can to support your request. A family’s safety, however, is our top priority, and inclement weather, mechanical issues, pilot availability, etc. can sometimes prevent a request from being fulfilled. All passengers must have a backup plan in place before we can confirm a flight. This could include rescheduling your appointment, driving, or exploring other travel options to ensure your care isn’t delayed.
Here's a quick rundown of our services and family requirements:
Who we serve.
- Children (18 years or younger) and their families.
- Families receiving care at a Milwaukee-area healthcare facility.
- Families needing to travel approximately 2hrs -8hrs (drive time) to/from Milwaukee.
Passenger requirements.
- Must be medically stable and require no medical assistance during a flight.
- Must be able to walk, climb stairs, and get into an aircraft seat without help.
- The use of oxygen is allowed. Any extra medical needs will be reviewed individually.
- Be ready to provide your doctor's contact info to complete an Authorization to Release Medical Information Form.
- Be able to fly in a small, 4-6 seat, non-pressurized aircraft.
- Be willing to sign a Passenger Liability Waiver Form.
- Have a backup plan in case a flight cannot happen due to pilot or aircraft availability, weather, etc.
Note: We’re working hard to grow our reach and improve how quickly we can fulfill requests. This includes building up our resources to better support urgent family transport needs.
Even if your travel doesn’t meet all our current criteria, we still encourage you to submit a request. While we can’t guarantee support in every case, sharing your story gives us valuable insight into how we can better serve you and others who rely on Milwaukee-area medical care, both now and as more resources become available.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about our volunteer pilots and drivers, and find answers to many common questions.