Structural stigma
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Structural stigma is described by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) as policies and practices that lead to different and unfair standards and treatment for people who live with inequities, resulting in differential access and quality of physical and mental health care. Through this webpage, the MHCC shares the work of their project to explore structural stigma in healthcare related to mental health and substance use.
Mental health and stigma
The website showcases a variety of resources:
- A framework to stop structural stigma related to mental illness and substance, identifying key priorities and areas for action to disrupt structural stigma in healthcare settings
- A framework for assessing structural stigma, describing:
- three levels of stigma (self, social and structural);
- six assessment domains;
- methodological considerations; and
- data sources for an actionable and practical approach for practitioners
- An environmental scan of tools to address stigma and gaps in measuring and monitoring stigma in health care
- A literature review on the structural stigma in health care for people with mental health and substance use challenges
- Additional resources to support measuring structural stigma are also offered for a deeper understanding of the implications of structural stigma for mental health, alongside real-world and personal experience stories.
Given that this is an ongoing project by the MHCC, the page also outlines progress reports and future activities.
Use this resource to:
- facilitate discussion about the concept of structural stigma and how it manifests in public health and other healthcare realms;
- identify the levels and domains of structural stigma in your organization and how they may be contributing to population health inequities; and
- develop an action plan to address the levels and domains of structural stigma identified.
Related resources
Addressing stigma: Towards a more inclusive health system (2019)
Equity informed responses to COVID-19: Stigma & discrimination
From risk to resilience: An equity approach to COVID-19 (2020)
Social determinants, health equity, and mental health: A curated list (2019)
Reference
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2021). Structural stigma. Mental Health Commission of Canada. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/structural-stigma
Tags: Mental Health, Stigma, discrimination, Structural determinants, Link, Website