New Brunswick Workshop Tackles Structural Stigma in Healthcare

Health-care leaders from New Brunswick gathered in Dieppe on October 3, 2023, to address the issue of structural stigma within the health-care system. The one-day workshop was organized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of Canadians. Participants aimed to explore how stigma affects individuals with a history of mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Understanding Structural Stigma

According to the MHCC, structural stigma refers to the unfair treatment faced by those with mental health and substance use challenges within health-care settings. Sebastien Lagace, associate vice-president for mental health and addiction at Vitalité Health Network, emphasized the need for equitable access to mental health services. “We want to make sure that our patients, New Brunswickers, have access to quality mental health and substance use services and we know that stigma is a barrier to access sometimes,” he stated.

Research indicates that stigma can lead to significant issues, including underdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poor health outcomes. Lagace pointed out that individuals with mental health concerns often struggle to reintegrate into their communities after treatment, notably facing challenges in securing housing due to their conditions.

Addressing Barriers to Care

Nitika Rewari, director of prevention and promotion initiatives at the MHCC, discussed the impact of stigma on the quality of care received by patients. She noted that stigma often manifests in health-care settings, where individuals seeking help may encounter resistance or assumptions from health-care professionals regarding their symptoms. “We really want to break down and dismantle the stigma that people that are really needing help experience when they go into a health-care setting,” Rewari explained.

Rewari highlighted that the limitations in resources for mental health compared to physical health also contribute to stigmatization. She raised questions about the availability of staff, stating, “How many nurses or physicians to physical health problems are there versus to mental health problems?” She also underscored the importance of the physical environment where care is provided, asking whether it is welcoming and supportive for individuals seeking help.

Structural stigma can influence policies, practices, and the overall culture within health-care organizations, ultimately affecting the quality of care provided. Lagace noted that stigma impacts not just patients but also health-care workers striving to deliver high-quality services.

As the workshop concluded, participants recognized the importance of ongoing efforts to dismantle structural stigma in health care. Both Lagace and Rewari expressed hope that increased awareness and proactive measures could lead to improved experiences for those seeking mental health support.

For more updates on health care initiatives and news in New Brunswick, visit our dedicated provincial page.