There is broad recognition that stigma-related challenges exist in Polk County . Regarding Stage 2 research , the subject of stigma came up in nearly all interviews and focus group discussions , and many indicated that county-wide efforts to reduce stigma would be a key to improving the overall health of the community . While reducing stigma is quite a broad category , for the purposes of this report , we narrowed it down to two action areas that to some degree , encompass the three types of stigma noted above :
• Enhanced public awareness
• Suicide prevention activities , enhancing behavioral health wellness , and early intervention
To truly make long-term , impactful change , all aspects of stigma must be identified , and a strategic plan created that encompasses each of the types of stigma . This issue will be more fully addressed in the Stage 3 Report .
Action Area : Enhanced Public Awareness
Replacing public images of behavioral health ( including SUD ) stereotypes ( e . g ., the myth that the mentally ill are dangerous ) with educational measures that provide true information helps slowly change public perceptions and stigma .
Educational strategies include public service announcements , books , brochures , films , videos , websites , podcasts , virtual reality , and other audiovisual resources . 11
This Action Area ties into the need for additional awareness and community education discussed earlier , but whereas that referred to the need to educate individuals where to receive services , this focuses more on providing more accurate information to community members ( including patients ) about behavioral health impact and access to care . Specifically , as one respondent said , “ Give people permission to ask for help , and let them know what is and isn ’ t a ‘ normal ’ feeling ; let people in need know that they are not alone or ‘ weak ’ if they ’ d like some help .”
Some respondents indicated that individuals will not admit to having a problem because they fear of losing their child , or their job . Respondents indicated that system-level stigma negatively impacts willingness to receive care . In some reported cases , these concerns are said to be warranted .
Many used the word “ trust ” when discussing strategies to reduce stigma , as people trust others who look like them , talk like them , come from similar backgrounds or have shared experiences .
• “ Bring a voice and face of recovery to community to break down stigma .”
• “ Stigma is still out there . It ' s a black community thing , people have pride in general .”
• “ Some families for economic reasons have embraced it - families can get money if kids have a diagnosis . Others try to hide it , and this doesn ' t help in long term .”
Examples of Potential Interventions for Stage 3
• Work with providers and other community leaders to develop a set of Public Service Announcements ( PSAs ) to create storytelling and testimonials to help break stigma and build the concept of trusted resources .
11
Ibid .
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