Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan was honored recently by the Massachusetts Nurses Association for what it called his work creating a “safer and more just community” for residents of Franklin and Hampshire counties.
Sullivan, DA since 2011, was given the Human Needs Services Award at MNA Convention 2016 in Danvers in recognition of “outstanding services based on human need, with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color or status.”
“David Sullivan has spent his life helping others and engaging in community service,” said Andrea Fox, an associate director in the MNA Division of Labor Action who works with nurses in western Massachusetts and has known Sullivan for many years. “Sullivan not only supports front-line workers and health care professionals like nurses, he also takes action above and beyond his duties as a DA to improve the lives of patients and those with substance abuse problems.”
“Sullivan is highly visible in the community, speaking out for patients with addiction, on LGBT issues and for the rights of every member of his community,” said Diane Scherrer, an associate director with the MNA Division of Legislative & Government Affairs. “His commitment to human dignity is clear and unwavering.”
A few examples of his work the association cited its announcement include:
A Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit that prioritizes high risk domestic violence offenders.
A Community Outreach and Education Unit that provides educational training to strengthen the community and prevent crime.
Co-founded Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and North Quabbin.
A Safe School Response Team aimed at preventing and promptly addressing acts of bullying and violence that impacts students.
Co-Founded the Veterans Justice Partnership between community and criminal justice partners to coordinate and find alternatives to incarceration for local veterans.