(PS2-62) The EMBER Project: Addressing Structural Stigma in Mental Health Through Policy

Mental illness stigma is a significant public health concern, as this stigma perpetuates barriers that hinder individuals from accessing evidence-based psychological treatment. Structural stigma encompasses societal-level conditions, cultural norms, and institutional policies that constrain the opportunities and well-being of the stigmatized individuals (Hatzenbuehler, 2016). Individuals with mental illnesses are particularly susceptible to structural stigma, resulting in inequitable access to healthcare and suboptimal patient experiences (Livingston, 2020). One viable avenue to address the underlying causes of structural stigma in mental health is through policy. Despite the pressing need to evaluate mental health policies through an anti-stigma lens, there exists a notable dearth of tools or guidelines tailored for evaluating these policies in the context of addressing structural stigma. The Exploring Mental Health Barriers in Emergency Rooms (EMBER) study is a multiphase project that aims to address stigma towards individuals with mental illnesses in healthcare settings, specifically in the Emergency Department. As an integral component of the larger EMBER study, we conducted a narrative review to investigate how macro-level policy can effectively address structural stigma. Findings reveal several recurrent themes, emphasizing the importance of inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., service users) and the consideration of intersectionality. Additionally, the review highlights the interconnectedness of policy, research, and advocacy in effectively addressing structural stigma for those experiencing mental illnesses. Moreover, we reviewed how the existing research applies to each stage of the policy process, including policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Our findings underscore the critical role of policy in addressing structural stigma and bring attention to the urgent need for the development of tools that can systematically assess mental health policies, with a specific focus on their impact on structural stigma. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing mental health policies that facilitate access to evidence-based treatment and dismantling those that perpetuate harm.