Pledge Your Support: AZ Blue Launches Stigma-Free AZ Campaign

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is excited to announce the launch of our Stigma-Free Arizona campaign. Our goal is to help end stigma around behavioral health in our state, and we can’t do it without you.

You can make a difference in 30 short seconds

Take the Stigma-Free Arizona pledge! All you have to do is enter your name, county, and email address (optional) to support a #StigmaFreeAZ. Take the pledge here: azblue.com/stigmafreeaz.

While stigma unfortunately comes in many forms, we are focusing on fighting behavioral health stigma to start, which includes both mental health and substance use disorder. Behavioral health greatly impacts Arizonans, as emphasized by these statistics:  

• More than 1 million adults in Arizona have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
• 5 Arizonans die a day from opioid overdoses.
• 17.5% report drinking excessively.

Behavioral health struggles are common and deserve attention, awareness, and treatment – not shame, judgment, and stigma.

What is stigma?

Stigma, both self-directed and from others, is the negative attitudes and behaviors toward people experiencing mental health issues and substance use disorders.

How is stigma harmful?

Stigma can stop people from getting the help they need and deserve. For example, more than 50% of people experiencing mental health issues don’t seek help. Stigma and fear of others finding out is a primary reason for nearly 25% of those people. Don’t let anything – including stigma – get in the way of getting the help you need. AZ Blue created this campaign and pledge to foster a community where all Arizonans feel supported and comfortable reaching out for help.

How else can you support a Stigma-Free Arizona?

In addition to taking the pledge, you can also practice Person-First Language (PFL). People can unknowingly stigmatize others by using a judgmental word or phrase. PFL promotes respectful language – putting the person ahead of their condition or diagnosis. For example, instead of saying “a bipolar person,” the PFL phrase is “a person living with bipolar disorder.”

It's important to use language that is clear and free of judgment, especially when addressing sensitive topics like suicide. This Suicide Prevention Awareness month, we urge you to put your new PFL knowledge to use and avoid phrases like “committed suicide.” Instead, you can say “ended his/her life” or “died by suicide.”

Words matter: Visit our AZ Blue Behavioral Health website to view a Person-First Language guide and start practicing today.

Share your support

Once you’ve taken the pledge, please share it with family and friends on social media. Together, we can reduce stigma, raise awareness, connect Arizonans to education and resources, and create a culture of compassion and understanding around behavioral health.

Again, to take the pledge, visit azblue.com/stigmafreeaz.

For a list of resources, visit Resources (azblue.com).