Children’s Health Fund, founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon and pediatrician/child advocate Irwin Redlener, MD, is committed to providing health care to the nation's most medically underserved children. As part of its nationwide network, Children’s Health Fund has supported the Mobile Adolescent Health Services program, also know as the Teen Van, since 2004. The Teen Van serves teens and young adults ages 12 to 25 from San Jose to San Francisco on a 34 foot mobile clinic. It provides comprehensive medical care to uninsured teens in partnership with seven community-based organizations.
Most recently, the Children’s Health Fund awarded the Teen Van a two-year grant for increased hours for the Van’s social worker and registered dietitian. With these hours, the social worker and dietitian will provide additional one-on-one sessions for patients, as well as offer group classes on important mental health, nutrition, and physical activity topics.
In March 2010, Children’s Health Fund advocates will be partnering with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital to host a forum on children’s health.