Frequently Asked Questions - Patients
My LOGIN has suddenly stopped working ?
Be sure to use your up to date email. That is the key identifier. Our system remembers your email.
Sorry about that – when trying to log in – please use the reset PASSWORD link and choose a new PW. Otherwise, please send an email to admin@groundangels.org and request a quick reset.
How much does it cost for a ride (we call them Missions) ?
There are NO costs of any kind for a HGA mission – neither to the patient nor the patient’s family. Our volunteers gift: driving their own automobile, paying for fuel and all other related expenses. We do very much appreciate bequests and financial support to assist with our administration and operating costs.
Do I need to fill in and send the Patient Traveler WAIVER form ?
PLEASE DO NOT. We have no method to collect and hold these forms. All Patients and family members travel explicitly agreeing to the waiver.
We are unable to assist with transport unless the waiver is accepted. Check the YES box in the On-Line mission request form.
What does INBOUND and OUTBOUND mean when I am filling in the mission/ride request form ?
Inbound is going TO treatment – to the hospital or clinic (or a Hotel near the hospital)
Outbound is leaving – either going home or to the Airport.
Do you provide rides between hotels and hospitals/clinics ?
NO.
When making Hotel reservations, always ask if the hotel has a shuttle, and that it runs at times for your planned appointment. Also, look out for shuttle buses provided by the different hospitals around the massive Medical Center campus.
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston provides rides for patients from lodging to appointments and return. Phone: 713-533-4900.
There is also the Metro light rail/buses and other local resources for transportation.
On our website LOOK on the PATIENT – RESOURCES – LOCAL TRANSPORT page for information.
How many days ahead of my ride/mission travel date do you recommend for having the best chance for an HGA Volunteer to accept my mission request?
2 weeks ahead is good.
5-7 days ahead is ideal.
Less than 48 hours is NOT ideal. Our volunteers have to get a chance to review and pick up requests.
Some volunteers look for added opportunities to help Patients at the last moment.
How often do Volunteers look at Open missions to help the Patients ?
Our bulletin board is on line 24/7.
Volunteers are looking all hours of the day and night – every day of the week. Some Volunteers plan ahead 3-4 days – others the night before they plan to take a ride request. Some volunteers only do evenings or weekends – others only weekdays.
But, we just cannot get all the requests. Always have a back-up plan. We know – treatment is important !
What happens if my flights / treatment are cancelled or times/places are changed ?
PLEASE tell us quickly – either by text or email if time, or a phone call if last minute.
Leave a message if phone is not answered.
If you already have a Volunteer – tell them first.
Admin can edit or remove ride requests as necessary to correct for the new travel / treatment plan.
PLEASE DO NOT create multiple ride requests to “cover all eventualities”.
I am flying on an “angel” plane to an airport (Not Bush or Hobby) I have not heard of – do you pick up there ?
There are 19 small airports dotted around Greater Houston – we try and get Patients at all of them.
See the list https://groundangels.org/patient/resources/airport-transportation-houston-area/ Some of these airports are more than 30 miles from the Medical Center.
Volunteers who have preferences for these community airports get an auto email when a new ride request is listed Open.
What clinics and hospitals do you go to ?
There are over 20 different hospitals and clinics in the Houston Medical Center.
Also, most of the bigger hospitals have satellite treatment centers around the city in outlying communities.
Always look in the “drop down” list to identify your hospital location/address, otherwise fill the “special address” box.
Volunteers who have preferences for satellite clinics get a system message when a new ride request is listed Open.
I live in Houston. Can your Volunteers get me to local clinics (Chemo – Radiation – Surgery), not in the Medical Center ?
Yes we can. These are LOCAL missions.
But please understand we have limited volunteers in certain areas of Houston and treatment must be of a critical nature. Regret we cannot assist with routine office visits, dental or physical therapy.
Some volunteers live in areas where the larger hospitals have satellite treatment clinics. They get a system email telling them if a new ride request is listed Open in their community.
Looking for other resources and area assistance ?
This website has a whole section listing resources identified by our Volunteers and Patients. Look for the tabs across the top. Go to PATIENT – RESOURCES.
If you find information that might be helpful to other patients – or if edits are needed – please email admin@groundangels.org