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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.

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