The Coalition for Elimination of AIDS-related Stigma (CEAS) was a group of professionals, community leaders, concerned individuals and organizations that came together in 2009 to focus efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with HIV. Stigma prevents individuals from getting tested for HIV, seeking medical care, disclosing diagnosis to loved ones, and adhering to treatment and follow up. Stigma has become a major reason why the HIV epidemic continues. We have changed our name to the Howard University Stigma Project and have expanded our efforts to address other related stigma as well, such as mental illness. Through our conference and related efforts we plan to measure the burden of stigma, test the effectiveness of intervention mechanisms, implement appropriate strategies and determine their effect over time. Our goal is to create a comprehensive Center for Social Justice in Healthcare for research, education and advocacy to fight stigma.
