The time is ripe for nursing to take the lead on
this public health concern affecting millions of
people. Nurses at all levels can play an active role
in reducing stigma. Advocating for change and
fair treatment of people with mental disorders
should be examined from a social justice frame-
work and can be easily incorporated into daily
practice. Nurse scientists and advanced practice
nurses can design, evaluate, and implement
theory-based stigma-reducing interventions to
advance the science. Through continued effort
and advances in research, the progress made in
eliminating stigma will not only relieve the
millions of people and families that suffer but
also lead to healthier communities.