Gretchen Burns Bergman is Director / Co-Founder of A New PATH, a non-profit organization working to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness through education and compassionate support and to advocate for therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies.
I know that what people need in periods of extreme vulnerability is non-judgmental, practical and compassionate support.
"Everybody deserves compassionate support," says Sarah McCarry, a Doula Project spokesperson.
The homeless agencies of the 1980s -- at least the ones that survived -- have evolved into organizations that are on the streets convincing vulnerable people to come inside, that are actually permanently housing people who have been on the streets for years, and that are providing compassionate counseling and support for people who have been recently housed.
"Political leaders have tremendous influence throughout Africa, and particularly at the community level where they have the leadership and authority to advocate for compassionate care and support for all vulnerable children", explained, Ms Laetitia Van den Assum, Special Ambassador for HIV/AIDS, The Netherlands.
BUT to make support for good spending credible, compassionate deficit reducers should be specific about what they would cut.
By contrast, pharmaceutical company's support for charitable organizations and compassionate release of needed medications are valuable contributions to clinical care for the poor.
The Greens immigration spokesman, Nick McKim, said: "Labor's crawl towards a more compassionate approach to refugees does not change their continued support for cruel and ineffective policies".
In their study, patients described receiving excellent personal care from helpful, concerned and compassionate professionals; who recognised needs beyond disease management, coordinating support for the psychological and practical impact of their illness.
