End the Stigma Initiative: Supporting Recovery Through Compassionate Care
Recovery is possible. Treatment works. And as healthcare professionals, we play a critical role in helping individuals take the first step toward recovery.
At Fidelis Care, we recognize that substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, treatable medical condition. Yet despite advances in treatment and growing awareness, stigma remains one of the greatest barriers preventing individuals from seeking care, engaging in treatment, and sustaining recovery.
Through our End the Stigma Initiative, Fidelis Care is committed to promoting recovery, increasing access to evidence-based treatment, connecting members to supportive services, and providing physicians and healthcare professionals with tools and resources to better serve individuals affected by substance use disorders.
By fostering understanding, using person-centered language, and engaging members in meaningful conversations, we can help individuals access treatment earlier and improve long-term health outcomes.
National Recovery Month: Celebrating Progress and Promoting Hope
Each September, healthcare organizations, communities, and individuals across the nation recognize National Recovery Month, an observance dedicated to celebrating the resilience of individuals in recovery and reinforcing a powerful message:
Prevention works. Treatment is effective. Recovery is possible.
While substance use disorders continue to impact individuals, families, and communities throughout New York State, recent data demonstrate encouraging progress:
- Approximately 18,848 non-fatal suspected opioid overdoses were reported through New York State EMS systems in 2025, representing nearly a 30% decrease from 2022.
- Emergency department visits involving drug overdoses declined from more than 38,000 visits in 2022 to approximately 29,900 visits in 2025, a reduction of over 21%.
- Drug overdose-related hospitalizations decreased from approximately 13,500 in 2022 to 11,623 in 2025, representing a decline of nearly 14%.
- More than 72,000 New Yorkers received substance use disorder treatment services in 2025, highlighting both the ongoing need for treatment and the growing number of individuals accessing care.
These data demonstrate that meaningful progress is being made. However, significant challenges remain, and healthcare professionals continue to play a front-line role in identifying individuals at risk, initiating treatment, and supporting recovery.
How Physicians and Healthcare Professionals Can Make a Difference
Early identification and intervention can have a profound impact on outcomes. Consider screening and engaging members who present with:
- Frequent emergency department utilization
- Recurrent overdoses or substance-related hospitalizations
- Chronic pain requiring opioid therapy
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Requests for assistance related to substance use
- Social, environmental, or psychosocial factors associated with increased risk for substance use disorders
Every encounter represents an opportunity to reduce stigma, initiate a conversation, and connect members with treatment and recovery resources.
Featured Resource: Shatterproof Provider's Pathway
As part of our commitment to addressing addiction stigma, Fidelis Care is proud to highlight resources from Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending addiction stigma, improving access to quality treatment, and supporting recovery.
Understanding the Impact of Stigma
Shatterproof's Addiction Stigma Index® is one of the nation's largest efforts to measure public attitudes toward substance use disorders. Findings from this research continue to inform strategies that improve healthcare experiences, reduce bias, and expand access to effective treatment.
Provider's Pathway: Supporting Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Shatterproof's Provider's Pathway is a free educational program developed specifically for healthcare professionals. Participants can learn practical strategies to:
- Recognize and reduce addiction-related stigma
- Improve communication with patients affected by substance use disorders
- Deliver person-centered, evidence-based care
- Address social determinants of health that influence recovery
- Create welcoming and supportive clinical environments
Continuing education credits may be available for participating providers.
Learn more:
https://providerspathway.shatterproof.org
Join Fidelis Care and Shatterproof
Awareness is important, but action creates change.
Fidelis Care is proud to support Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction across New York State, including participation in the New York City Walk to End Addiction.
These community events honor individuals in recovery, remember lives lost, and raise awareness about the importance of treatment, recovery, and stigma reduction.
To learn more, register for an event, or support the cause, visit:
Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction
https://fundraise.shatterproof.org/home
The Power of Language and Compassion
The words we choose matter.
Using person-centered language and approaching substance use disorders with the same compassion afforded to other chronic medical conditions can help reduce barriers to care and improve patient engagement.
Every conversation about substance use is an opportunity to provide support, connect a member to treatment, and offer hope.
Together, we can help build healthier communities across New York by reducing stigma, promoting recovery, and ensuring that every individual has access to the care and support they deserve.
Recovery is possible. Treatment works. Together, we can end stigma.
References
New York State Department of Health. Opioid and Substance Use Indicators Dashboard and Reports. Available at:
https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/
New York State Department of Health. Summary of Key Drug Use Indicators. Available at:
https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/docs/summary_key_drug_indicators.pdf