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Board hears presentation urging person-first language to reduce SUD stigma
Summary
Assistant Director Joe Hallett and BH Manager Zachariah Todd presented on how stigma shows up in services (labeling, surveillance, stigmatizing documentation) and recommended person-first language, staff training, updated records, and alignment with HHSA equity goals.
Assistant Director Joseph Hallett and Behavioral Health Manager Zachariah Todd presented a focused briefing for the Board on stigma in substance use disorder services and concrete steps to mitigate it.
Presenters described stigma as "negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that portray people with SUD as untrustworthy, dangerous, or personally at fault," and gave examples including labeling and dehumanizing language such as "addict," excessive surveillance (frequent drug testing), and documentation that frames patients negatively. The SUD team recommended adopting person-first language (for example, "person with SUD" rather than "addict"), using neutral test-result language ("positive/negative"), staff training on stigma-aware practices, and updating communications and records to align with the Health and Human Services Agency’s strategic goals on accessibility and racial equity.
Board members responded with support for ongoing staff education and language changes; the April 8 meeting packet referenced a staff PowerPoint for more detail.
