Mobile Clinic Treats Homeless And At-Risk Youth In San Jose
Twice a week, a medical team offers free services, including HIV testing, reproductive health care and treatment for chronic illnesses, substance abuse and depression. In other public health news, Sen. Barbara Boxer joins Porter Ranch residents demanding an air quality study. And a North County couple are inspired by their late nephew to be lead donors for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
KQED:
As Homeless Youth Population Grows, Mobile Clinics Are Key Resource
Dr. Seth Ammerman listens intently to his new patient. Ernesto, who does not want his last name disclosed, is homeless. Ernesto is earning a high school degree and working part time, but at night, he and his brother share a tent that they set up on San Jose streets. The daily stress of being homeless is wearing Ernesto out and making him light up too many cigarettes. ... That’s why Ernesto walked into this mobile clinic parked just a few steps away from his classroom at the San Jose Conservation Corps & Charter School. (Romero, 2/15)
The Los Angeles Daily News:
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer Sides With Residents, Calls For Health Assessment
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer said Friday she supports a demand from some Porter Ranch residents that a complete air quality study of the community and health assessment of homes be done before people move back in after official word comes that the leaking Southern California Gas Go. well above the area is plugged. (Wilcox, 2/12)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Couple Enjoys Making Wishes Come True
Back in 2001, Hélène Gould lost her 14-year-old nephew to a rare form of cancer. But before he died in a Paris hospital, he made a wish to meet his favorite French pop star. Moved by his story, the singer left her tour and visited his bedside. Hélène said she’s convinced the meeting extended his life by several months. Now, in his memory, Hélène and her husband, George Gould, are helping grant the wishes of every local child with a life-threatening illness. (Kragen, 2/16)