Phoenix Children’s has received a $125,000 grant from The Boeing Company to support the health care system’s Homeless Youth Outreach (HYO) program. This investment will allow HYO to provide primary and preventative medical services to Arizona’s homeless youth population.

Now in its 21st year of operation, Phoenix Children’s HYO program has been serving Arizona’s homeless youth population and is currently providing 31 weekly half day clinics utilizing two Mobil Medical Units (MMU) and three fixed-site clinics. More than 1,150 patients served came back for 4,800 encounters at the HYO clinics in 2020. In years prior to COVID, the HYO program continually served more than 1,500 unique patients through more than 9,000 encounters.

“We are proud to support the important work being done through this program. Phoenix Children’s is such an amazing organization, and our employees enjoy volunteering with them and making a difference in these children’s lives,” said Donna Golub, Boeing Supply Chain manager and the Boeing Mesa site’s Diversity Council co-chair. “We are truly thankful for all you (Phoenix Children’s) do for our children and families in our communities.”

Phoenix Children’s HYO program serves children and youth ranging in age from birth through 24 years who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness - working tirelessly to provide hope and holistic health care with respect and heart to Arizona’s homeless and at-risk youth. The HYO program offers primary and preventative medical services including Comprehensive Health Screenings, Medical Treatment, Medical/Community Referral and Referral Follow-up, Financial Advocacy, Community Outreach and Wellness Programs, Behavioral Health Services. 

Without access to the HYO program, these children and youth are more likely to avoid seeking medical care until they are required to utilize emergency rooms and urgent care centers for medical care, placing tremendous financial burden on the health care system and surrounding community.