Marketing and Communication Services: Stigma Reduction Campaign to Prevent Drug Overdoses

New Haven County local public health agencies, led by the New Haven Health Department, seek a marketing and communications partner to launch a social marketing campaign to reduce the stigma around people with substance use disorders (i.e. opioids).

Overview

In 2023, 147 people in New Haven died from drug overdoses and 1,320 experienced a non-fatal overdose. More were impacted in the broader New Haven County. While progress is being made, the overdose epidemic continues to impact families and communities in our county.

Unfortunately, stigma is one of the greatest barriers for people who use substances to seek and receive help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75% of the public do not believe that a person with a substance use disorder is experiencing a chronic medical illness. Those seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) might encounter healthcare professionals who refuse to prescribe medications for OUD (MOUD), despite MOUD being an effective treatment option. Stigma can also lead to discrimination in employment, housing and social relationships.

In short, the public sees substance use disorder as a moral issue not a medical one.