Melonie Owusu, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, AACRN, AAHIVS (she/her)

Lead Nurse Practitioner at the THRIVE program under the Institute of Human Virology 

Years as an ANAC member: 4

Local ANAC chapter: previously Chesapeake Bay Chapter

ANAC committees: Rural Committee

What does National African Immigrants and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day mean to you?

As someone born and raised in the U.S. to immigrant parents, and now caring for immigrant and refugee patients, National African Immigrants and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day holds deep meaning for me. It represents visibility, support and reverence for the resilience of my patients and the many sacrifices they have made in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families. In addition to my work at the Institute of Human Virology (IHV), through ANAC and the Ghanaian Diaspora Nursing Alliance I am able to collaborate with others to improve healthcare in Ghana and across the African continent, as well as support those living abroad.

What words of wisdom might you pass on to those entering the field?

Don’t underestimate your ability to create change just because you’re new. A fresh perspective can bring immense opportunities and impact for our patients. As the pioneers of the HIV fight begin to slow down or transition, it’s important that someone is ready to grab the baton and keep moving the work forward.

Who/what inspires you?

My patients are my greatest source of inspiration. One who comes to mind on National African Immigrants and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day is a young woman who traveled alone from West Africa to the U.S. She fled an abusive marriage in hopes of creating better opportunities for her two children, especially her daughter who was nearing the age of genital mutilation in her home country. In her pursuit of a better life, she became ill and learned she was living with HIV. The family she was staying with threw her out on the street once they found out her status, leaving her alone in a foreign land with no support. A good samaritan eventually brought her to our clinic. Since then, she has secured stable housing, returned to school and is working with lawyers pro bono to seek asylum and reunite with her children. Despite countless ups and downs, she has remained resilient, steadfast and unwavering in her pursuit of more for herself and her family. Her courage pushes me to show up fully, for her and for all my patients, because her strength and character shines through.