STIGMA

INSIGHT FROM THE CDC on how to reduce stigma in your community:
  • Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma, which is negative attitudes and beliefs toward people, places or things.
  • Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fear about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.
  • No single person or group of people are more likely than others to spread COVID-19.
  • Stigma can lead to labeling, stereotyping, discrimination, and other negative behaviors toward others.
  • Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear and anger toward ordinary people instead of focusing on the disease that is causing the problem.
  • Stigma can also make people more likely to hide symptoms or illness, keep them from seeking medical attention.
  • Stigma can make it more difficult to control the spread of an outbreak.
  • We must learn to accept the different cultures surrounding us and unite as a community to avoid discrimination and hate.
  • Speak out against negative behavior and statements, and use your voice to reduce misinformation and stereotyping.