 
Welcome to the virtual home of Doctors Without Walls-Santa Barbara Street Medicine (DWW-SBSM). We welcome you to explore our website and learn about our non-profit volunteer organization.
Street Medicine is the term used to define a collaboration of professionals who deliver health care and related services directly to people living and sleeping on the streets.
The term Street Medicine was coined by pioneer Dr. Jim Withers, one of the leaders in the movement, and one of the inspirations behind the creation of DWW-SBSM
NEWS
The 2009 Santa Barbara Film Festival is presenting One Bridge to the Next, a film by Dr. Jim Withers, founder of Operation Safety Net.
The film "One Bridge To The Next" addresses the burgeoning field of street medicine. In 1992, Dr. Jim Withers began doing night rounds on the streets of Pittsburgh, offering medical assistance and support to the homeless. Fifteen years later, the organization he founded, Operation Safety Net, is a pioneering model in a growing movement to provide healthcare to the homeless.
Terry Gross of Fresh Air on NPR interviewed Dr. Jim Withers, click here to hear the interview.
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We are proud to partner with these local, national and international philanthropic organizations to develop and deliver hands-on outreach and educational programs in Santa Barbara County. We are grateful for your inspiration, collaboration and support of our passion to bring medical care to the most vulnerable members of society.
Direct Relief International (DRI) provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. DRI directly and profoundly strengthens our efforts by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment – so that we can provide care to the vulnerable members of Santa Barbara County.
International Street Medicine (ISM) is a forum of humanitarian organizations that bring healthcare to the homeless and poor communities around the world. The forum promotes collaboration and communication and provides a network of support to all street medical outreach organizations.
Operation Safety Net (OSN) is a medical outreach program that provides primary care to homeless people in the Pittsburgh area, through multi-disciplinary street teams. Founded by Dr. Jim Withers in 1992, OSN is recognized as one of nations’ first street medicine programs and continues to set the standard for this unique form of health care.
SB County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) works to ensure the highest quality emergency medical care to the people of Santa Barbara County through an integrated and coordinated system of servcies.
UCSB Student Health Outreach Program is a student organization dedicated to health promotion, wellness, and community outreach. |
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