From buses to libraries, WISE expands conversations about mental health stigma

Building a world without mental health stigma is a big task. That’s why it takes everyone. From first responders to librarians to bus drivers, WISE is expanding its stigma reduction efforts, bringing important conversations to new communities. 

“We normally get requests for Stigma 101 training from EMTs or law enforcement, but so many other groups interact with the community,” says Brittney Fair, Community Learning and Engagement training lead. “So, we think outside the box.” 

Stigma 101 is an interactive, one-hour educational presentation designed to build awareness and spark conversation about mental health and substance use stigma. Through recovery stories and group discussions, participants gain a clearer understanding of what stigma looks like and how it shows up in everyday life. 

“Stigma often flies under the radar, but it’s there,” Brittney says. 

Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own perspectives and leave with practical ways to support others. 

“Stigma 101 is educational, but it also provides tools for participants to extend support and advocacy to those in their lives,” Brittney says. “That support helps people feel less isolated.” 

As part of its expanded efforts, the WISE team is reaching new audiences throughout Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, WISE is now partnering with the city’s transit department to deliver monthly Stigma 101 sessions for bus drivers and transportation staff. 

“As you are interacting with different patrons getting on and off the bus, you don’t know what they’re going through,” Brittney says. “So having these conversations is really needed.” 

The sessions create space for open dialogue, encouraging participants to consider both their own experiences and those of the people they serve. 

“You might have gone through something before you started your route today,” Brittney says. “Nobody knows that, but you’re still expected to show up. So, let’s talk about it.” 

She says even small shifts in perspective can make a meaningful difference. 

“Let’s take a different lens and see how we can shift our perspective,” Brittney says. “That may help somebody who’s struggling. Even just saying, ‘How’s your day going?’ can turn someone’s day around.” 

WISE is also expanding its reach across Wisconsin through strong partnerships with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Together, they are integrating Stigma 101 into Crisis Intervention Partners (CIP) training – a 16-hour program designed for police officers, first responders, and others who may interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises. 

Through this collaboration, Stigma 101 is now included in CIP programs in Milwaukee and Waukesha, including sessions for Milwaukee County Transit workers and 911 dispatch teams. Additional conversations are underway to support similar programming with NAMI affiliates in Madison and Northern Lakes. 

Recent presentations have also included a local library, reinforcing the idea that stigma can be addressed anywhere people gather. 

“These are places where patrons are coming in and we don’t know what they’re going through,” Brittney says. “To be able to have a space where they feel safe and can interact with others is huge.” 

Looking ahead, WISE is building on the foundation of Stigma 101 with new, specialized offerings. A Stigma 102 program focused on stigma surrounding substance use disorders is in development in collaboration with partners in Winnebago County, while another variation tailored to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness is already being piloted. 

Across all efforts, the goal remains the same: to normalize conversations around mental health and empower communities to take part in stigma reduction, building toward a better future together. 

“Being able to continue that conversation around stigma reduction regarding mental health or substance use is really big for our team,” Brittney says. “The more we can connect with everyone around us, the more progress we make toward creating a world without stigma.” 

Stigma 101 presentations are available by request. Learn more about WISE and Stigma 101 here.