Dr. Randy Christensen Named CNN Hero

Randal Christensen, MD, a Phoenix Children's General Pediatrics physician was named a "Medical Marvel" by CNN for his work with the Crews'n Healthmobile, a mobile healthcare service for homeless teens.

"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." CNN will air a full story about Christensen's work later this year when the network previews its "Hero" program during a December broadcast hosted by Anderson Cooper.

Christensen was also named a Healthcare Hero in 2006 by The Business Journal for his work with the homeless. He's a member of the Governor's Task Force on Homelessness and serves on the advisory boards of the local chapters of the American Diabetes Association and Healthcare for the Homeless. He also runs Camp AZDA, one of the largest camps for children with diabetes in the country. His work also extends beyond Arizona; he traveled to Louisiana in September 2005 to provide medical care to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"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."

The Crews'n Healthmobile was established by Phoenix Children's Hospital and HomeBase Youth Services with the help of The Children's Health Fund. 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.

It is estimated that in Arizona 5,000 youth are homeless. This number has increased each year over the past five years with the vast majority of homeless youth located in Maricopa County. Life on the streets puts these youth at risk for basic health, nutritional, educational deficits, and serious emotional and substance abuse problems.

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.

Facts about homeless and at-risk youth:

82 percent of the Hospital's homeless and at-risk population self-reported having a substance abuse problem.
62 percent have an extensive history of family drug use.
66 percent suffer from depression.
34 percent have been sexually abused/assaulted.
44 percent have attempted suicide.
20 percent experience hallucinations that are not related to drugs.
Homeless youth have been physically abused at twice the rate of other children, and are three times as likely to be sexually abused.
Depression, mood disorder, conduct disorder, substance abuse and attempted suicide are common diagnoses with these teens and young adults.
Two-thirds of homeless street youth met diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder.
41 percent of homeless children in the U.S. are under the age of five.
Nearly 20 percent of homeless children lack a regular source of medical care.
The average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is nine years old.