|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
NHANES provides important national data on critical public health issues
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, is coming to Hennepin County.
Each year, only 5,000 residents nationwide are chosen to participate in NHANES, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This year, Hennepin County is one of 15 counties selected to be part of this initiative.
Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.
“NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information,” said Brian C. Moyer, PhD, director of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). “The survey provides a wealth of important data about many of the major health and nutritional issues affecting the country.”
Since 1960, NHANES data has helped address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop health policies, design health programs, and expand the nation’s health knowledge.
"The NHANES survey provides uniquely valuable data to public health,” said Hennepin County Public Health Director Susan Palchick, PhD, MPH. “Survey findings are used by health departments nationwide, including ours. I urge you to participate if you are contacted, so that our community is well represented."
Beginning February 9, randomly selected households in the county will be sent one or more letters inviting them to be part of NHANES by completing a brief online questionnaire. Those eligible will be contacted by an NHANES representative to set up a telephone health interview. This will be followed by a health examination. Health examinations will take place at NHANES mobile examination center starting March 16.
While no direct medical care is provided, a report on physical findings is given to each participant, along with an explanation of those findings from survey medical staff. All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law.
##
Additional information
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a national survey that monitors the health and nutritional status of adults and children across the United States conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WWW.CDC.GOV/NHANES
Media resources
 NHANES mobile examination station, photo available for use
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
|
