Newest AHA poster focuses on reducing SUD stigma in health care
The AHA this week released the second poster in the People Matter, Words Matter series, this time helping hospitals and health systems talk to and about individuals with a substance use disorder by seeing them as people battling severe illness.
The new, downloadable poster seeks to combat behavioral health stigma by adopting respectful, patient-centered language. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Carilion Clinic provided information on using compassionate language in substance use disorder, both in front of patients and with colleagues.
The AHA will continue to enlist top behavioral health and language experts from member hospitals and partner organizations in the coming months as it continues this series with new posters and resources.