The American Hospital Association (AHA) has launched a People Matter, Words Matter downloadable poster series to help combat behavioral health stigma in health care settings. The poster series is designed to encourage providers to adopt respectful, patient-centered language.
The first poster encourages the use of people-first language, which primarily acknowledges the person rather than the illness or disability. The AHA, along with behavioral health and language experts from member hospitals and partner organizations, will continue this poster series in the coming months.