daring to change

"the teenager stares down at her ratty bell-bottoms as she describes being raped by a group of boys. dr. randy christensen listens attentively and hands her a kleenex to wipe away her tears. then, as he glances down at her medical file, he exclaims, "hey, today's your birthday, isn't it?" she is slightly startled. "yeah," she stammers. "i'm 18 today." two minutes later, christensen two nurses and another pediatrician hug the teen and serenade her with "happy birthday" as her face breaks into a smile. "you've made my day," she says. "you're the only one who knows."
(taken from people magazine, october 13, 2008, by johnny dodd)
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i was reading this on pg. 81 in people magazine this week. i put my hand on the picture of the smiling doctor and just stood there... taking just a few moments to reflect and picture what these physicians/team are doing there. i like to read about people/heroes among us.. these articles are the reason i buy it occasionally, and usually they are the best 'people' in the mag! ;-)
i'm inspired each time. this week is about dr. randy christensen in phoenix. i am blessed to have read this. bless dr. randy, lord and this team! woohoo!!
(i got this article, crews'n healthmobile after i googled him/here's the link: http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/ways-of-giving/dr-randy-christensen-named.html) man! i love that name for this mobile health clinic! :-)
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Crews'n Healthmobile

Thousands of youth live on the streets of Phoenix, many in desperate need of medical treatment. They are at an increased risk of illness, injury, and depression due to the hardships they face. Most lack health insurance and don't have access to appropriate health care.

In the fall of 2000 an innovative partnership was formed between Phoenix Children's, Children's Health Fund and HomeBase Youth Services. The result was the birth of the Crews'n Healthmobile, a 35-foot Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) that brings comprehensive medical help directly to this special population. And in October 2007, the Crews'n Healthmobile II hit the streets, outfitted with the latest technology.

Led by Randy Christensen, MD, The mobile unit is staffed with medical practitioners from Phoenix Children's and case managers from HomeBase. Services include the full spectrum of a "medical home," such as:
full examinations and well child care
immunizations
dispensing of medications
treatment for sexually transmitted illnesses
minor surgical procedures
health education
referrals to sub-specialists if needed

The staff also educates and counsels youth on:
sexually transmitted infections
abstinence
HIV
Hepatitis
depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
suicide risk
substance abuse
pregnancy
smoking cessation
nutrition
relationships
safety issues
self care

The unit operates Monday through Thursday at numerous sites in the Valley. The Crews'n Healthmobile parks at HomeBase Youth Services Outreach Center several days a week. The rest of the time the MMU is making its way around the Valley where homeless and at-risk children, adolescents, and young adults are known to gather.

Crews'n Healthmobile in the news
The new Crews'n Healthmobile II - Download the press release - or - watch the news segment from Fox 10 News from October 2007.
Watch the Premier Cares Award feature.
Watch Dr. Christensen in action, in a segment aired on Fox 10 News in December 2007.

Contact:
602-651-1840

Support the Crews'n Healthmobile: