January 30, 2025
Meet Melissa Sullivan, BSN (she/ her/ hers), one of Partnership’s clinic nurses and our Hepatitis C nurse coordinator for the Drexel HOPE mobile van. In her role, she triages patients’ health needs, conducts education to help patients manage their chronic illnesses, provides sexual health counseling and gender-affirming care, administers medications and coordinates care for patients who receive injectable HIV and PrEP medications.
As our Drexel HOPE Hepatitis C Nurse Coordinator, Melissa coordinates Hepatitis, HIV and STI testing in our community for patients who are at higher risk of these infectious diseases. She supports patients with Hepatitis C, providing education, and assisting them with minimizing barriers so they can successfully complete their Hep C treatment (and get cured of Hep C!)
What drew you to health care, and how did you get started?
I grew up with grandparents and elders who had a profound impact on me. As they aged and had health issues arise, I was naturally drawn to caring for their health needs in the same way they had cared for me. I realized early on that working in health care would allow me to care for others, help them weather difficult times, celebrate their successes, and learn from them along the way, as well as study the science that the nerd in me loves.
My first nursing role was in a hospital at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very tough time to work in health care, and I will never forget tearing up when I got my first COVID vaccine in 2021. I felt so much relief - and gratitude for the scientists and patients that made the COVID vaccines possible!
What is your favorite hobby, activity or creative outlet?
I love to ride my bike, do yoga, dance, cook with friends, read, whittle spoons, and dream of all the other hobbies I wish I had time for…
What is your favorite memory of working here so far?
On my first day here, Mallory (our other nurse) and the team had left kind notes and goodies at my desk. It made me feel so welcome and confident that I’d joined a great team of people who care for each other.
What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
I love to garden and learn about agriculture practices that are sustainable for both humans and the planet. I worked on a farm for a summer and had to herd a huge cow that got loose from his pasture and was eating the vegetables in the vegetable patch! I quickly learned that farmers are hard core!