AHA launches initiative to eliminate mental health stigma

The American Hospital Association (AHA) released the first poster in its People Matter, Words Matter poster series to combat behavioral health stigma in health care settings. The series aims to encourage providers to adopt respectful, patient-centered language when discussing mental health. In the poster, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, Naperville, Ill., provided information on using people-first language to primarily acknowledge a person rather than their illness or disability. The AHA, along with behavioral health and language experts from member hospitals and partner organizations, will continue this series of downloadable posters for hospitals to distribute and display in clinical settings. The poster can be downloaded from the AHA website.