An Update Regarding Seasonal Illnesses

To help prevent the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses, we strongly encourage all visitors to wear a mask while in ambulatory clinics or inpatient units. Surgical masks are available at hospital and clinic entrances. Patients with respiratory illnesses should also wear masks. Thank you for helping protect our patients, staff, and community.

Language

Social Stigma

Social Stigma

Noun

Negative stereotypes and lower social status of a person or group based on perceived characteristics that separate that person or group from other members of a society.

Social stigma is commonly associated with being LGBTQIA+, being obese, having low income, having substance use disorders, having a physical or mental disability, having a mental health disorder, being foreign born, and more. Social stigma works to further marginalize people within society. 

Please refer to the Grayken Center for Addiction at BMC for more information and resources on how to reduce stigma related to substance use disorder and recover.

Source

Adapted from The Fenway Institute and CDC

The Glossary for Culture Transformation is a living document to be revised on an annual basis.

Suggested Citation: Office of Equity, Vitality, and Inclusion, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, and Boston University Medical Group. Glossary for Culture Transformation. 2021.

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