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Western Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. Our pride in pulling together goes far beyond supporting our deep-rooted sports teams. 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference honors the individuals that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly a part of each other's lives.This special series, supported by UPMC, will highlight, honor and celebrate Western Pennsylvanians who are unsung heroes daring to make a difference to others in our community.00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770c8000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770ca000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cc000090.5 WESA PA listening area counties:Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fayette, Indiana00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cd0000This project is made possible by a generous contribution from UPMC.

How Dr. Jim Withers Takes Medical Care to Pittsburgh's Homeless

Photo courtesy of Operation Safety Net, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System

Read and listen to a story about Dr. Jim Withers as part of a series honoring the individuals who make a difference in people’s lives:90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference.

For more than 20 years, Withers has been making his rounds in a most unusual way as “The Pittsburgh Street Doctor.”

He started his mission in 1992, giving medical care to the homeless. He makes his rounds usually at night, under bridges, alleyways, highway overpasses and riverbanks. He began dressing down like a homeless person, feeling that it made him more approachable and welcoming into their situation.