Oakland County selected for national health survey

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announces that Oakland County is one of 15 counties in the United States selected to participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) beginning June 14. This comprehensive study of health and nutritional status provides important data about public health issues from a national perspective.

"The information collected helps us better understand health issues and improve quality of life in Oakland County," said Patterson. "The Health Division and CDC are working closely to make this study successful. I strongly endorse your participation if you are selected."

Approximately 530 randomly selected county residents will asked to participate in a voluntary survey. An interviewer from NHANES will schedule an appointment with the resident to complete the confidential in-home survey. Some will then be asked to participate in a health examination at a local site free of charge. All interviews and examinations are given by CDC NHANES health professionals who show identification upon arrival.

"This is an excellent chance for residents to gain valuable personal health information while helping identify health risks in our communities," said Shane Bies, Public Health Nursing Services Administrator for Oakland County Health Division. "The survey is a unique opportunity that provides important information about major health conditions."

For the past 55 years, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. All counties in the United States have a chance to be selected for NHANES participation each year, and 5,000 residents across the nation participate annually. All ages, races, and ethnicities are included in order to represent the U.S. population as a whole.

For additional information about NHANES, visit oakgov.com/health and click the NHANES banner image on the homepage.

For up-to-date public health information, visit oakgov.com/health, find Public Health Oakland on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @publichealthOC, or call the Health Division's Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.

Published: Tue, Jun 13, 2017