Back in 1993, Dr. Oberheide helped launch the Summit County Health Clinic.  He came up with the idea and then took it upon himself to win support from other doctors and community leaders.  “I think it was really his inspiration that sparked inspiration in our whole community for starting a clinic,” says Dr. Karen Wyatt, medical director at the clinic.

Since its beginning, Jim has willingly volunteered there, often after a full day at the office, says Karen. “If I had 4 clinics I couldn’t fill in a month, I’d call, and he’d take all four of them. It’s always as if we’re doing him a favor by inviting him to come and volunteer for us.”

The time Jim gives to the clinic is significant, yet it is just one of the many ways Jim gives back to the community. Jim is the Medical Director of Bristlecone Hospice and Home Health Care, a volunteer position. He gives free school physicals to people in need. He has built homes in Mexico. On top of all that, Jim has run ultra-marathons, and raised money for ovarian cancer and Bristlecone in doing one of them.

Dr. Oberheide also took the time to become certified to give the special physicals required for legal immigrants in Summit County to get their green cards. He then gives the physicals free of charge. “If you go to Denver, you’re going to spend 335 to 545 dollars, and he does that for free,” says Omar Niang, a leader in community of West Africans who have moved to Summit County.

What is Jim most known for by the people he’s touched? His humility. Jim doesn’t feel he’s done much for people. “It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to him, and it doesn’t feel like anything out of the ordinary because he’s just being himself,” Karen says.

Please join 9NEWS in congratulating Dr. Jim Oberheide, the September 2006 recipient of the 9Who Care Award.  His story will air on 9NEWS tomorrow morning (September 19th) between 6-7 a.m. and again on 9NEWS Saturday Morning on September 23rd.  It will also be streamed on 9NEWS.com/9wc.