Stigma and Public Health: Issues and Interventions
At A Glance
| Course Description | Sample Projects | CBO Requirements | Application & Project Dates |
| A small group of students work with CBO to address issues of stigma in communities through programs and interventions | An outreach campaign that addresses vaccine hesitancy among various communities | Identify a program addressing a stigma issue. Meet with students periodically for feedback and review | Application period: December - January Duration: March - May |
Course Overview
This course (March-May) provides a broad understanding of the public health impact of stigma and discrimination related to a variety of identities and health conditions. It introduces students to frameworks for understanding stigma (including intersectionality), strategies for characterizing and measuring stigma, and intervention approaches for reducing stigma and discrimination at different ecological levels with the goal of improving health equity, access to quality healthcare services, and promoting psychosocial wellbeing. Interested CBOs should develop an opportunity for up to 5 graduate students to engage directly with a policy, program, or project that addresses an aspect of stigma or marginalization. The practicum should engage students for 2-4 hours per week for 4-6 weeks.
Expectations of the Partner CBO
Pre-project phase (estimated/suggested time: 3-4 hours)
- Assign a designated staff person to work with the JHSPH students
- Provide clear institutional protocols (e.g., training or background check requirements)
- Host a “site visit” (if possible) or help students learn about CBO’s mission/community served
Project phase (estimated/suggested time: 5-10 hours over 6 weeks)
- CBOs are invited to be co-educators, and in this spirit, to meet with students 3 times (or on an as-needed basis) throughout the project. During this time, the CBO can answer follow up questions students have and participate in reflective activities
- Complete an interim evaluation of student project and individual student performance
Post-project phase (estimated/suggested time: 3-4 hours)
- Attend the students’ final presentation about the service experience (if available)
- Complete a final evaluation of student project and individual student performance
- Organize a debriefing meeting with JHSPH partners to discuss the project, next steps, etc.
Project Examples
- Curriculum design or evaluation
- Policy development or creation of an evaluation tool
- Marketing or advocacy campaign
- Organization practice assessment
- Relationship management guide