Shine a Light on Stigma Pledge for Organizations

Attitudes toward substance abuse disorder can prevent people from seeking needed treatment. Together, we can effect positive change around this issue by adjusting how we talk about it.

By pledging, I, as a leader, commit my organization to use person-centered language when referring to people with substance use disorder and those in recovery.

I pledge my organization to:

• Listen. We will support staff and those we serve by being open to conversations about substance use and stigma. We will seek counsel from people with lived experience and utilize their stories and feedback to help drive meaningful improvements to reduce stigma in our communities and organization. We will strive to respond in supportive, non-judgmental, culturally responsive, and welcoming ways at every stage.

• Act. We will treat people who have substance use disorders with dignity and respect. We believe that the words we use in talking about substance use disorders are critical to eliminating stigma and supporting people with substance use disorders to get the treatment they need. We will discuss substance use disorder as a chronic illness, not a moral failing, and ensure that this is reflected in all improvement activities, policies and practices.

• Lead. We will encourage staff to support one another through peer-to-peer coaching to build a healthy workplace culture. We will invest time and resources in training staff and those we serve in stigma reduction. We will share what we have learned and will do all we can to Shine a Light on Stigma!

Click Take the Pledge below to enter your information and download your Shine a Light on Stigma pledge certificate.