Dustin Wade, 38, was born in Hopewell and raised in Chester and Prince George by a devoted single mother. He attended Prince George High School, where he developed a deep connection to the community that has inspired him throughout his life. Growing up in this district instilled in him a profound understanding of the community’s needs and strengths, fueling a lifelong passion for service and advocacy.
At just 18, Dustin took his first steps into healthcare by enrolling in the fast-track nursing program at Chesterfield Technical School. This program not only accelerated his entry into nursing but also deepened his commitment to compassionate care and community service. Shortly after, he began his career as a nurse’s aide at Lucy Corr Village in Chesterfield, where he discovered his passion for providing hands-on, empathetic care to patients. As his career progressed, he worked in long-term care, balancing his expanding responsibilities with his studies to complete his nursing degree. This experience allowed him to deepen his skills in managing complex, chronic health issues, especially those faced by the elderly, and gave him a unique perspective on continuity of care across healthcare settings.
Over the years, Dustin’s career has flourished across diverse healthcare settings, including home health, long-term care, critical care, pediatrics, travel nursing, nursing education, and leadership. One of the most fulfilling chapters of his career was his work at the Children’s Hospital of VCU, where he provided specialized pediatric care to young patients and their families, deepening his dedication to patient advocacy and compassionate care. Additionally, Dustin’s work in home health has been instrumental in shaping his career. He provided complex care to vulnerable populations in Richmond’s inner city, including patients requiring total heart replacements, a role that demanded advanced nursing skills, empathy, and resilience.
Central to Dustin’s life and work is his husband, Joseph Wade, his steadfast partner for over 20 years. Together, they founded Abraxas Home Care, an agency dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Abraxas Home Care is driven by the belief that every person deserves a life of quality, independence, and respect. Working closely with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Dustin and Joseph have built Abraxas on a foundation of empathy, trust, and high standards. Their commitment to creating a supportive, person-centered environment reflects their shared vision of transformative care that uplifts every client and enriches the community. Dustin’s dedication doesn’t stop at his profession. He is also the proud and nurturing guardian to four children—his niece and three nephews. With deep love and unwavering commitment, he guides them through their public education and life’s challenges, imparting the same values of resilience and compassion that his mother instilled in him. His role as a guardian is as important to him as his role as a healthcare provider, shaping his belief in the power of family, support, and strong community bonds. Dustin’s passion for giving back runs deep. From Chesterfield’s playgrounds to Hopewell’s historic streets, every corner of this district has shaped who he is and what he stands for. His lifelong commitment to serve, uplift, and create positive change is evident in his work, his family, and his community. Every act of care, advocacy, and support Dustin offers is rooted in a profound love for the community that raised him, and he is devoted to ensuring that everyone in his district has access to the resources, care, and respect they deserve.