Dr. Randy Christensen - a “Medical Marvel” CNN Hero
Dr. Christensen, Medical Director of the Crews'n Healthmobile, is a "Medical Marvel" CNN Hero for 2007. He has been featured on CNN several times as a result of his work with homeless adolescents in Phoenix and Tempe.
"It is very nice to be mentioned with all those out there who really are heroes," said Christensen. "I just get to do a job I love."
The "2007 CNN Heroes," hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper, will culminate in a live global telecast from the American Museum of Natural History in New York on Thursday, December 6 at 9 p.m., Eastern Time.
Popular vote will determine which stories of heroes will air on this program.
About Dr. Christensen and the Crews'n Healthmobile
The Crews'n Healthmobile was established by Phoenix Children's Hospital and HomeBase Youth Services with the help of The Children's Health Fund.
"I truly believe that we should all be judged by how well we take care of the young, the sick, the poor," said Christensen. "We as a society often don't understand these populations, or worse, we tend to forget them. It seems to me that we all share in the responsibility of caring for those suffering."
On the 35-foot recreation vehicle, homeless and at-risk infants, children, adolescents and young adults are treated. Most are between the ages of 12 and 20.
Last year the Crews'n Healthmobile served more than 2,200 teens. All services are free, including immunizations, examinations, dispensing of medications, treatment for illnesses and infections, minor surgical procedures, health education, mental health and health risk screening, and referrals for psychiatric, vision, radiological, and dental services.
Street outreach services are also provided by the Crews'n staff. Basic hygiene supplies, food, water, socks, shoes, clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks, bus tickets, and educational information are distributed. Referrals for housing, food, GED, substance abuse, employment, obtaining identification, legal services and health insurance are also provided.
