National calls to reduce stigma toward mental disorders have been issued by both President George W. Bush, in his New FreedomCommission on Mental Health (2002), and the Surgeon General (Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). Despite these national initiatives, little progress has been made to establish effective stigma-reducing interventions. More evidence about the effectiveness of existing stigma interventions along with a better understanding of the nature, causes, and consequences of stigma
are urgently needed. This article summarizes current national initiatives to reduce stigma, clarifies the current evidence on stigma-reducing interventions, and encourages nurses to take specific actions to reduce stigma toward mental disorders.