Checklist for Change: HIV & Hepatitis C Stigma in Health Care produced earlier this year by DABC’s AIDS & Disability Action Program/Wellness & Disability Initiative has just been updated. The second edition incorporates feedback from health sciences students across the province. DABC thanks participating instructors and students from among 141 heath-related programs contacted, including programs such as Audiology & Speech Sciences, Community Mental Health Worker, Dental Hygiene, Health Care Assistant, Medical Radiography Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Assistant and Social Work.

“The purpose of Checklist for Change is to provide an overview of policies and service provider attitudes and behaviours that stigmatize, sometimes intentionally and often unintentionally. In presenting research results and service provider observations, DABC encourages everyone working with people living with HIV or hepatitis C (HCV) to reflect on their assumptions, judgments and communication skills. …In the words of one care provider interviewed: ‘I think that what happens is that people forget that every person who walks through the door is somebody’s brother, mother, sister, uncle or aunt and doing the very best they can in that moment.’ If you were speaking to your loved one with a health care need, ‘how would you approach them and can you offer the same level of respect for the person who is sitting in front of you?’” (Checklist for Change p. 3)

Checklist for Change is a short, reader-friendly orientation to HIV and HCV stigma within health care environments intended to stimulate discussion and awareness.

Download: Checklist for Change final 2nd edition