Frequently Asked Questions

Who Are We?

Operation Walk Pittsburgh is a private, non-profit, volunteer medical service organization that provides no-cost surgical treatment for patients in developing countries and here in Pittsburgh who have no access to life-improving care for arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions. Since 2008, we have provided the gift of mobility to hundreds of patients around the world, including nearly 500 total joint replacements.

What Does It Take?

Planning for a mission trip begins a year in advance. Hundreds of donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits generously provide their time, energy, and resources to ensure that each mission is a success.

Who Goes On The Mission?

Our mission teams include surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, interpreters, and other healthcare professionals. We work side by side with local healthcare staff, providing training and support to build local capacity. Additionally, our humanitarian volunteers reach beyond the hospital for service projects in the community.

How Does Follow-up Care Work?

Operation Walk patients can return to local hospitals for any follow-up care that’s required at no cost. We communicate with our patients by phone and email to facilitate hospital visits and work closely with our local healthcare partners to share information and resources so that all our patients have the best possible outcomes. When the team returns to the same location, clinics are hosted to examine patients’ progress and to see their and their family’s success after surgery.

Why It Matters?

Walking is a way of life for our patients. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, Operation Walk Pittsburgh patients regain their mobility, find work and support their families again; they restart their lives and live pain-free. Every dollar donated to Operation Walk Pittsburgh supports patient care directly.

How Can You Help?

You can donate, apply to our travel team, or get involved locally.