Talking Points: The Resource Guide for Facilitating Stigma Conversations

Stigma Conversation Resource Guide

To accelerate the end of the HIV epidemic, both within the United States and globally, NASTAD recognizes that conversations about HIV stigma must be at the forefront of our work. This microsite includes videos, tools and tips on how to implement your own Stigma Conversation.

HIV stigma and discrimination can influence healthcare utilization, provision of clinical care, delays in HIV testing, perpetuate health disparities, and subsequently negatively affect broad health outcomes, especially for populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. NASTAD encourages health departments to engage with stakeholders working in HIV prevention, care, and treatment (as well as other social service entities) to facilitate conversations around stigma and discrimination and develop action plans that center the voices of those most affected by HIV.

Research has shown how providers with limited stigma reduction education were more likely to exhibit stigmatizing behaviors toward patients.

How to Use the Resource Guide

This resource guide includes videos, tools, and tips on how to implement conversations around stigma both internally within health departments and with communities we serve.

It includes information on:

how to collect data around stigma in local communities,
identifying relevant stakeholders,
planning and hosting Stigma Conversations, and
developing action plans for future programming around stigma reduction.

While we provide tools and resources to have such conversations, each health department will need to develop its own Stigma Conversation* due to the specific organizational and community needs of their jurisdiction.

NASTAD staff remain committed to supporting health departments in the development and implementation of their Stigma Conversations. For additional questions or help on implementing the tools, contact communications@nastad.org.

*NASTAD is using the term “Stigma Conversation” to reference any sort of meeting, discussion, or training that health departments and communities may want to do to reduce stigma in their response.