Megan Cooley
As a Hepatitis C Outreach and Linkage to Care Specialist at Central City Concern, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. For more than four years, I have helped connect people to Hepatitis C testing, treatment, and care, often meeting individuals exactly where they are—whether that’s at a shelter, in a tent, or under a bridge. Building trust and making healthcare accessible is at the heart of everything I do.
My path to this work is deeply personal. I spent my teens and early twenties in active addiction, experiencing homelessness and living with Hepatitis C after being intentionally infected by someone who was struggling with the stigma surrounding the disease. Years later, I was treated and cured of Hepatitis C at the very same clinic where I now work. Being able to tell someone, “I used to be homeless, using drugs, and living with Hepatitis C—and now I’m here helping others get through it too,” is one of the most meaningful parts of my job. It reminds people that recovery, healing, and hope are possible.
My passion for helping others began long before my career. Growing up with a younger sister with special needs taught me the importance of compassion, advocacy, and meeting people with patience and respect. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand how important it is for people to feel seen, accepted, and safe when accessing healthcare.
The work I do isn’t just about curing Hepatitis C—it’s about rebuilding trust in healthcare, reducing stigma, and helping people believe that they deserve care. Every cure represents not only a medical success but also a chance for someone to reconnect with their health and their future.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me spending time with my two cats, Cashew and Pistachio—better known as Cash and Stash.
