Our Bridge of Hope was originally built as Bangkok's first free HIV/AIDS hospice, opening in 1993. Through 2003, until anti-viral medications became accessible to the poor, our hospice cared for up to 300 patients each year. Even in this first decade, through nourishment, rest, and emotional support from family and Mercy staff, many patients were able to return home. Following access to drug treatments, our hospice turned into a Bridge of Hope, a place of rest and caring, and our primary efforts are now in bringing our patients home to rejoin their families.

Core initiatives:

• To reach out and care for the abandoned poor living with AIDS and other serious illnesses.
• To counsel both our patients and their families, providing emergency subsistence and support.
• To make sure their children attend school and to provide school costs when needed.
• To create a strong sustainable "bridge" back to home.

Location: Mercy Centre

Patients/year: 100

A Partnership: The Bridge of Hope is a partnership - a four way agreement - among the patients, their families, local hospitals, and the HDF. The families agree to share in the bedside and daily care of their family members. The patients agree that when they are able, they will provide assistance for our foundation in our AIDS efforts. We agree to teach the families homecare skills and provide follow-up visits when patients are able to return home. Government hospitals cooperate with us on all levels.

Activities

• Nursing and palliative care
• Providing a healthy diet and a clean, safe shelter
• Counseling and support for patient and family
• Preparing paperwork and providing transportation for hospital visits
• Teaching the family homecare skills

Success Story

One former hospice patient gained strength to help pioneer our homecare and education/outreach programs. He is currently the President of the Thai Network of People Living with AIDS. Here is his story.