Melissa Lowry, RN
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Melissa Lowry, RN, serves as the Public Health Nurse for the cities of Melrose, Wakefield, and Stoneham, playing a vital role in safeguarding and promoting public health within these communities.
Although she had retired during the pandemic, Melissa returned as a volunteer COVID-19 vaccinator and quickly realized how much she missed nursing. This inspired her to re-enter the field full-time.
What she loves most about her job is its variety — no two days are the same. Her responsibilities range from conducting hearing and vision tests in elementary schools to organizing flu clinics. She also develops educational materials and training manuals for fellow nurses. Each day, she monitors the state's communicable disease database, following up with residents and identifying potential health concerns. Through her vigilance, she has detected clusters of norovirus in long-term care facilities, foodborne illnesses, Mpox, pertussis, and even cases of dengue fever and malaria.
Melissa also serves as a resource for school nurses, who navigate complex mental and physical health challenges among students. Believing in the power of collaboration, she freely shares public health information with other communities to enhance collective efforts.
Before summer camps open, Melissa conducts inspections to ensure they meet state regulations. She is also deeply committed to meeting patients where they are — twice a month, she holds blood pressure clinics at the Milano Center, and she even administers flu shots for homebound patients. Under her leadership, her department provides free COVID-19 tests at the public health office, senior center, and library and publishes a quarterly newsletter. She is currently working to identify vaccination gaps within the community, particularly in public housing, and is developing new health presentations for seniors.
In addition to her role in public health, Melissa is actively involved with the Massachusetts Public Health Nurse Association and has been a dedicated volunteer at the Wakefield Food Pantry since 2012, serving in various board positions. A resident of Wakefield for over 26 years, she is the mother of two grown children.
Melissa deeply appreciates the wonderful and supportive people of Melrose, and she feels privileged to work alongside dedicated employees and volunteers who share her passion for public health.
Her bucket list includes traveling more—she has already visited Portugal, Spain, Vietnam, and West Africa and looks forward to exploring more of the world.
Through her expertise, dedication, and compassion, Melissa has made a significant impact on public health in Melrose and beyond, ensuring the well-being of the communities she serves.
