PRINCETON, WV (WOAY) – Local organizations are encouraging people to educate themselves about stigma.
Community Connections in partnership with Stigma Free West Virginia are working to help fight the causes of stigma. They want those with substance use issues to be safe from shame and be encouraged to seek help.
Dr. Dereck Wilson, an education consultant with Community Connections says stigma is a huge problem in our communities.
“Whenever you look at somebody and you come up with a preconceived look that they’re a problem in society, instead of looking at a person with problems. There’s a difference there between labeling someone as a problem person, versus a person with problems,” Wilson said.
Anyone facing stigma is encouraged to seek help, such as by joining a local support group.
