National Spotlight

‘The Lady who cares’

Anti-stigma initiative aims to transform addiction care

Karen Frank, DNP, CPPS, MSHA, is a CommonSpirit Health® certified anti-stigma instructor based at CHI Memorial in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

“Working in health care for many years, I see the stigma surrounding substance misuse disorder and addiction,” says Frank. “The lack of understanding about this disease, even in health care professionals, looms large.”

“When we turn off the stigma switch we can build relationships and really help vulnerable people who need to know they are cared about.”

Recently, one of her patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) handed her a piece of paper as he was being discharged.

“By meeting the patient where he is, without stigma, I was able to determine he loved to write and draw. I gave him a lined notepad, some blank paper and pen, and the poem is what he gave back to me. The picture he drew is amazing. Through his precious words, he revealed the importance of care without stigma. The story is heartbreaking and shocking with a joyful ending due to peeling back the confirmation bias of substance use stigma. I read this poem daily.” 

 

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

Breaking the stigma

Earlier this year, Frank participated in a new CommonSpirit initiative focused on overcoming stigmas associated with some health conditions, including SUDs. She participated in training to become a certified anti-stigma instructor — an initiative that she believes will have a significant positive impact on patients and families coping with addiction and SUDs.

“Through this thorough training provided to us by CommonSpirit and the Addiction Policy Forum, I have wonderful material and resources to use in my conversations, lectures and meetings,” says Frank, who serves as the Market Director for Quality, Medical Affairs. “This course and material are the most useful, practical and comprehensive content I have ever seen. I have done a lot of reading and research, and it is refreshing to have the Addiction Policy Forum work in a package tied with a bow. The resources are current, in a format that is easy to teach and engaging.” 

“I know I am making a difference in people’s lives.”

Understanding the impact of stigma in health care

Stigma surrounding addiction is a pervasive barrier that affects millions of individuals each year, often preventing them from seeking the care and support they need. In response, CommonSpirit has launched a comprehensive Anti-Stigma Initiative to tackle this issue head-on, working to create a more compassionate and understanding health care environment for patients and providers alike.

Stigma, characterized as negative perceptions leading to prejudice and discrimination, is particularly severe for individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), including alcohol and drug use disorders. According to the World Health Organization, SUD is the most stigmatized health condition globally. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that over 46 million Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for SUD, and more than 107,000 people died from overdose in 2023.

“For health care providers, enhancing anti-stigma literacy is crucial to addressing the pervasive challenge of addiction in our society,” says Kathy Krebs-Dean, Director of Behavioral Health Expansion & Development at CommonSpirit. “Health care providers wield significant influence, and their attitudes can profoundly impact a patient’s willingness to seek and engage in treatment.”

CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative: A multi-phase approach

Launched in May during Mental Health Awareness Month, CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative focuses on educating health care providers and employees about the impact of stigma and the importance of respectful, person-centered language. The initiative also addresses the broader context of evidence-based treatments, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), to reduce misunderstandings often fueled by stigma. Key components of the initiative include:

• Anonymous survey: The initiative began with an anonymous survey developed with the Addiction Policy Forum to assess employee attitudes toward addiction, providing insights into stigma within the healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.
• Training for change: Employees are trained and then certified as anti-stigma instructors, enabling them to deliver educational sessions across the healthcare system. These certified trainers play a key role in reshaping provider attitudes and behaviors toward individuals with SUD, highlighting the importance of respectful language and awareness of evidence-based treatments like MAT.
• AHA “Words Matter” Campaign: A key element of the initiative is the adoption of the American Hospital Association’s “Words Matter” campaign, which promotes the use of compassionate language, replacing terms like “addict” with “person with a substance use disorder.”

“The language we use matters,” adds Krebs-Dean. “Educating providers to recognize and mitigate their own biases not only changes mindsets but also encourages patients struggling with addiction to seek the care they deserve.”

Philanthropy and partnerships

CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative is supported by philanthropy, including CommonSpirit Health Foundation and UniHealth Foundation, with additional resources provided by the Addiction Policy Forum. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing the initiative, offering not only financial support, but resources such as surveys, training materials and certification programs.

“CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy funding has made it possible to advance this inaugural effort,” says Krebs-Dean. “We are grateful for the recognition of the critical role that anti-stigma literacy plays in health care.”

Building a stigma-free future

Initial survey results have shown positive trends; however, stigma persists, with 66% reporting anxiety about interacting with someone in recovery. To build on the progress, CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative plans to expand with additional training sessions and a presentation at the California Hospital Association Behavioral Health Symposium. The goal is to certify more trainers and broaden anti-stigma education across all divisions.

“Every step we take towards reducing stigma is a step towards better health outcomes,” says Krebs-Dean. “As health care providers, we must lead by example, demonstrating acceptance and support rather than judgment.”

CommonSpirit’s Anti-Stigma Initiative is a vital movement toward creating a health care environment where stigma no longer hinders care. By educating providers, changing language and promoting respect, the initiative is helping to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their struggles, can access the compassionate care they need.

Learn more about support efforts like the Anti-Stigma initiative with a gift to CommonSpirit Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Initiative.

 

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S. With more than 175,000 employees, 35,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, and 45,000 nurses, CommonSpirit operates 150 hospitals and 2,400 care sites in 24 states serving 22 million patients each year. CommonSpirit is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. Learn more at CommonSpirit.org.

CommonSpirit has 80 fundraising entities located across the U.S. Over the past five years, these foundations have raised a combined $1.4 billion to ensure that it can continue to serve the vulnerable and build healthy communities. The organization does this nationally through CommonSpirit Health Foundation, and locally through its network of regional and community-based fundraising entities.

About CommonSpirit Health Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of one of the nation's largest health systems, CommonSpirit Health Foundation is committed to advancing health justice. The foundation inspires investments and donations from individuals, private foundations, corporate foundations and other entities — to support programs and initiatives that address the root causes of poor health and enable all people to be healthy and safe. Learn more at CommonSpiritHealthPhilanthropy.org/Foundation.

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