In 1992, Dr. Jim Withers camouflaged himself as a homeless man to make medical visits to people living on the streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was shocked to find out how ill people were. In 24 years, Withers' "street medicine" has reached over 10,000 people, and his comprehensive program, Operation Safety Net, provides mobile medical vans, drop-in centers and helps advocate for insurance and housing for the homeless. Withers' philosophy is simple: treat people the way we want to be treated.

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  • Big Ol Bear

    He Reminded me of what in medicine is truly important. Made me think of why I gave up everything to help, and wonder am I really making a difference when faced with true Altruism.

  • bruno roberto padovano

    Beautiful work, of immense humanitarian value. As a persdonal contribution, I send Dr. Withers, in additon to my heartiest congratulations for this inspiring service, a link to see what we are doing in Sao Paulo, Brazil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_QN1zdCi8c . The Hope Tower is on its way!!! God bless you, always! Hugs, BRU

  • Nancy

    This takes caring about others to a whole new level. Very inspiring and thought-provoking.

  • Pilusa

    True definition of wealth and success

  • Linda

    Wow! What inspired me is that we are all "homeless" people - one step away from being that 85 year man on the street with paranoid thoughts. Honestly that is a reality..............this movement started by Dr Withers gives me hope that humanity has not lost all of it's compassion for other beings. "There are no other, we are all one" Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God Bless and Keep you Always, Namaste Linda

  • Don

    This video made me weep for the state of our country. How can we allow people to live like this? Why does our government/society allow this to happen? That being said, to accept the situation and do something about it is to live like a saint.

  • Gail Ferris

    Dr. Jim's quote...'there are as many paths to the street as there are homeless people' is so true. What a beautiful life purpose. And what a beautifully constructed way to tell this story.

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Thank you Dr Jim Withers for sharing your skills as a doctor and your humanity to serve others. HUGS from my heart to yours! Amazing what compassion combined with action can do! <3

  • Margaret

    This video brought tears to my eyes... to have as large a heart as Dr. Jim Withers brings hope to humanity. God Bless you Dr. Jim!

  • les graham

    his selflessness.

  • Kay

    To give of oneself and offer your talents when the role of a doctor can bring such an ego. You are a true blessing, Dr Jim!

  • Stoney

    " There are two ways of spreading light : to be the candle or the mirror that reflect it ."Edith Wharton You have both in it . watching this is really like a candle light up in front of me and showing me the hope of the world , every corner, every where, we can be a candle in some one life. Thank you. Namaste

  • Page 1

  • Find out more about Dr. Jim Withers' organization, Street Medicine Institute.
  • Dr. Withers' initial outreach has grown into a city-wide program, Operation Safety Net, to treat and advocate for the homeless.
  • Make an effort to reach people "where they are" - in all the different ways that are possible.

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