Interested in getting involved in any of the initiatives above? Contact us.
The WPSC has the following safety workgroups and initiatives. You do not have to be a member to participate in an initiative or join a workgroup. If you are interested in making healthcare safer in Washington, please write WPSC@qualityhealth.org and put “I’d like to help” in the subject line.
Health Equity, Stigma & Bias
Individuals: Click here to take the Stigma Free Pledge!
Organizations: Click Here to become a Stigma Free Company
The WPSC’s Health Equity, Stigma and Bias workgroup has been hard at work raising awareness of health inequity, stigma and bias, especially around mental health – writing blog posts, recording podcasts, and hosting safe tables to spread institutional knowledge. The workgroup will continue to spread resources and partner with NAMI Washington to spread the Stigma Free Pledge to reduce stigma against mental health.
The StigmaFree campaign is NAMI’s effort to end stigma and create hope for those affected by mental illness. “Through powerful words and actions, we can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditionsTogether, we can encourage acceptance and understanding. Together, we can advocate for a better world. Together, we can turn StigmaFree Me into StigmaFree We.”
Tools & resources organizations can use to implement a stigma free culture
Mission
To build recognition of issues within the healthcare system that contribute to stigma and bias faced by certain segments of the population in Washington state.
The Health Equity, Stigma and Bias (HESB) Workgroup will identify and address barriers to meaningful access to quality care, with a view to initiating a culture shift – at the system level – centered on reducing health disparities, ultimately promoting health equity and improving patient safety as well as health outcomes.
Focus Areas
1. Mental Health
2. Racism
3. Substance Abuse Disorder
Goals
1. To build recognition of the problem of health equity, stigma and bias AND raise awareness of how they impact healthcare.
2. To identify tools that can be implemented in health systems and facilitate sharing of these resources.
3. To promote training for providers that address stigma and provider bias, particularly towards people within target communities.
Meeting dates
Every month on the Fourth Thursday from 4-5 p.m. PT
Members
Improving the Diagnostic Process
This workgroup will develop a toolkit of tools and resources around best practices. Promote collaborative diagnosis (including patient/family).Work to promote collaborative diagnosis and beyond that, help patients understand how best to prepare for visits and collaborate and engage with their providers.
Promoting Psychological Safety in the Workplace
The workgroup will develop tactics and tools to promote and encourage a culture where employees are willing to speak up and report safety issues without fear of retaliation
This workgroup oversees the Speak-Up! Award.
