Stigma is one of the many factors hindering engagement in services for diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, mental health and tuberculosis.  Fear of being judged and/or discriminated against can prevent people who are at risk from getting the help they need. It can also create a barrier for providers to discuss with clients about risk factors, screening services and treatment options.

This two-day session (Thursday, April 18th and Thursday, May 2nd; 9am to 12pm) will explore the basis of stigmatized diseases and how stigma manifests as a barrier to client-provider communication. Through interactive exercises, participants will learn strategies for reducing the effects of stigma on client-provider communication and organizational practices related to HIV/AIDS, mental health and tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Define stigma and the key terms associated with stigma development
2. Identify the root causes and the factors that lead to stigma related to HIV/AIDS, mental health and tuberculosis
3. Identify strategies for improving client-provider communication about stigmatized diseases
4. Analyze methods of reducing stigma within organizational practices that are barriers to accessing services