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1997-98 Code Blue volunteers help kids make healthy decisions. |
"Code Blue" is a phrase normally heard in hospitals to designate a life-threatening situation; hence, WSU medical students adopted the name for their service organization which aims to improve the adolescent health crisis in the community. Since 1992, WSU medical students have developed a partnership to help Highland Park school children avoid risky behaviors and make informed, healthy decisions.
This past April, Code Blue swept Wayne State University’s 18th annual Student Leadership Awards program, winning both group honors: Outstanding Student Organization of the Year and the Outstanding Community Service Award.
The mission of Code Blue is to provide a comprehensive and ongoing service to elementary students who struggle with complex issues and decisions. "The hardships which face young people are life-threatening in many ways. Violence, abuse, teen pregnancy, sexually-transmitted disease, illness and neglect are issues which plague adolescent communities," said Georgia Wilder, Code Blue advisor and university counselor. "It is nothing short of emergent to provide elementary students with positive role models, discussion of important topics and greatly needed resources."
Renee Dwaihy, Year II student and one of the Code Blue coordinators, said the program has nearly tripled in size, involving more than 100 first and second-year medical students this year. In addition, outreach has expanded from a single elementary school to reach all three Highland Park Elementary Schools.
PHOTO: 1997-98 Code Blue volunteers help kids make healthy decisions.
SIDEBAR:
Dwaihy and Sherwin committed to community
Congratulations to Renee Dwaihy, Year II, and Robert Sherwin, Year IV, for being honored with Outstanding Community Service Awards at the Wayne State University 18th annual Student Leadership Awards program. Despite the pressures and intensity of medical school, both students have generously contributed their energy and time to improve the well-being of others. Through their service to such organizations as Code Blue, the Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and international internships in health care, they have made a positive impact at the Wayne State campus, The Detroit Medical Center and the surrounding community.
"Renee and Rob are true humanitarians who really embody the spirit and hope for the future," said Georgia Wilder, university counselor. "Their compassion and generosity will surely make them wonderful physicians."