"Code Blue," a phrase normally heard in hospitals to indicate a life-threatening situation, was adopted by Wayne State University medical students as the name for their service organization. It's a fitting designation for a group that aims to improve the adolescent health crisis in the Metropolitan Detroit community.

The students' commitment to local children helped them sweep the University's recent 18th Annual Student Leadership Awards program. Code Blue took both group honors: Outstanding Student Organization of the Year and the Outstanding Community Service Award.

Since 1992 Code Blue students have been involved in a partnership to help Highland Park school children avoid risky behaviors and make informed, healthy decisions by providing comprehensive, ongoing service to elementary students confronted 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 in the School of Medicine. "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 medical student and a Code Blue coordinator, 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 to reach all three Highland Park Elementary Schools.

Wayne State University School of Medicine, the academic institution of The Detroit Medical Center, is nationally and regionally respected for research and treatment programs in such areas as oncology, the neurosciences, and women's and children's health. The School plays a strong role in the application of research and education to clinical care through its affiliation with the DMC.