<p> Objective: Studies have shown that people often report stigma as a barrier to entering treatment for substance related conditions. This study attempted to determine whether if using stigmatizing language when referring to individuals with substance related conditions would perpetuate stigmatizing attitudes among social worker and other behavioral health professionals.</p><p> Methods: Participants were asked to read a vignette that contained one of two terms substance abuser or substance use disorder to rate their agreement with a number of related statements. <i>N</i> = 65, Master's level Social workers (25%) and other behavioral health professionals (75%). A likert-scale questionnaire with three subscales (perpetuator-punishment, victim-treatment, and social threat) was used to assessed whether the character was a social threat, able to regulate substance use, and should receive punitive or treatment option.</p><p> Results: No significant differences were found on the social-treat or victim treatment subscales. However, a difference was detected on the perpetuator-punishment scale. Those who responded to the substance abuser vignette in specialization Other were more likely to perceive the character as culpable.</p><p> Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that there is chance that it may matter how we refer to individuals with problematic substance and/or alcohol use. The term substance abuser may influence stigmatizing attitudes. </p>

<p> The purpose of this thesis was to write a grant to obtain funding for a comprehensive transitional patient care program and family caregiver support services. Through process analysis, the grant writer developed the Next Step Hospital to Home Caregiver Support Program (NSHCP). This program was developed to bridge the gap in the delivery of services of transitional patient care and family caregiver support services.</p><p> California Healthcare Foundation (CHCF) was identified as an appropriate funding agency. Their focus on ideas and innovations that improve quality medical care, increase efficiency, and lower the costs of medical care is compatible with the mission of the NSHCP. In collaboration with CHCF and Anaheim Regional Medical Center, the grant writer developed the NSFCP in an effort to provide quality transitional care and caregiver support services. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of this project.</p>