Arizona Historymakers selections include Sister Adele O’Sullivan
(Photo provided by Historical League, Inc.)
Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, M.D,. was recognized with six other Arizona leaders and a couple as a Prestigious Arizona Historymaker on Feb 19.
Sister Adele O’Sullivan M.D. was honored as one of the Historical League’s Inc., chosen Arizona Historymakers of 2025 at the Arizona Heritage Center’s announcing celebration in Tempe.
More than 100 guests were introduced to the new Historymakers’ accomplishments, and contributions in the world of agriculture, medicine and community outreach.
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NEIGHBORS
Arizona Historymakers selections include Sister Adele O’Sullivan
(Photo provided by Historical League, Inc.)
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BIO
Originally a pharmacist, Sister Adele O’Sullivan decided she would have more impact if she was a doctor. After earning her medical degree from the University of Arizona in 1984, she worked in many underserved areas. In 1996 she began caring for patients living on the streets of Phoenix. She started receiving donations from her church members and others, keeping the money in a shoebox and using the funds for her patients’ basic needs. Miraculously, the shoebox was never empty as word of her work spread across the community.
Her efforts led to the foundation of Circle the City, which has grown to provide homeless medical respite care in two 50-bed facilities; outpatient care; mobile medical care units; street medicine; and health navigation through local hospital emergency departments. Last year Circle the City saw more than 8,000 individuals; completed over 63,000 medical visits; provided 32,000 days of respite care; and completed more than 11,000 behavioral health encounters. Approximately 77% of patients who complete a respite stay are discharged to a stable living environment. The services also offer something more, a sense of community, infused with Sister Adele’s welcoming heart.
Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, M.D,. was recognized with six other Arizona leaders and a couple as a Prestigious Arizona Historymaker on Feb 19.
Sister Adele O’Sullivan M.D. was honored as one of the Historical League’s Inc., chosen Arizona Historymakers of 2025 at the Arizona Heritage Center’s announcing celebration in Tempe.
More than 100 guests were introduced to the new Historymakers’ accomplishments, and contributions in the world of agriculture, medicine and community outreach.
In presenting Sister Adele O’Sullivan, Diane Smith, Historical League’s Committee Co-Chairman, highlighted her as an Arizona leader establishing an innovative continuum of care for Arizona adults experiencing homelessness. O’Sullivan began her work in 1996 and with her efforts on the streets of Phoenix along with community donations, founded the Circle the City. The organization provides medical respite care; outpatient care; mobile medical units; street medicine and heath navigation through seven local hospital ERs.
In 2024, Circle the City saw more than 8,000 individuals; completed over 63,000 medical visits; provided 32,000 days of respite care; and completed more than 11,000 behavioral encounters.
Along with Sister O’Sullivan, the 2025 Historymakers included Bob Boze Bell, Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, John W. Graham, Sharon Harper and Oliver Harper, M.D., Ronald Rayner, Eric Reiman M.D., and David Wooten M.D.
Also recognized during the evening were past Arizona Historymakers Elizabeth White, Honorable Jim Bruner, Stevie Eller, Merrill Mahaffey; and Harry and Rose Papp.
The night celebrated Arizona’s Statehood, and a tribute to White on her 102nd birthday.
The Arizona Historymakers’ program created in 1992 by the Historical League Inc., awards Arizona individuals, who have distinguished themselves with noted achievements and have maintained their ties to Arizona. To date more than 90 Historymakers have been honored over the years at celebration events, and inclusion in the Historymakers Hall exhibit at the Arizona Heritage Center.
Their videos, oral histories and transcripts are uploaded to the League’s website, YouTube, and preserved in the Library and Archives of Arizona Historical Society’s Heritage Center at Papago Park.
The Historymaker Committee is presenting Turquoise & Treasures, a celebration evening Oct. 25 to honor and share how the 2025 Arizona Historymakers have contributed to Arizona and the nation.
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