Stigma, which takes the form of negative attitudes or discrimination, can be a significant barrier for individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder, often preventing them from accessing treatment.

Residents are invited to learn how to decrease and end stigma by increasing knowledge and understanding about mental illness, substance use disorders and the impact of stigma.

The Ending Stigma webinar will be held live from 1 to 2 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 11 on Zoom.

Through this webinar, developed by John Keesler with the Indiana University School of Social Work and in partnership with the Indiana Rural Health Association and Indiana Rural Opioid Consortium, participants will learn strategies to address and challenge stigmatizing language and interactions.

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to define mental illness, substance use disorder and stigma, name and define four types of stigma and their effects and identify strategies to end stigma on personal, institutional and community levels.

This program has been approved for one continuing education unit by the School of Social Work.

Presented by the IU Center for Rural Engagement in partnership with the IU School of Social Work and the Indiana Rural Opioid Consortium, this program is free and open to the public. Register online at rural.indiana.edu/events.