Words Matter: Stigma and Language

Care Massachusetts proudly partners with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) to support municipalities in effectively utilizing opioid abatement funding. One of DPH’s core values is compassion and positive regard for others, including in the language used to communicate about the people and communities it serves.

In celebration of Recovery Month this September, DPH leadership and staff signed a Words Matter Pledge committing to non-stigmatizing language when discussing substance use. Join the Care Massachusetts Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Team and BSAS to learn more and discuss this pledge.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the impact of language in framing what the public thinks about substance use and recovery
• Give examples of alternatives to stigmatizing language
• Get answers to questions about how to discuss substance use with your community using an affirming and strengths-based approach