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.