U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is encouraging residents to accept telephone calls from 340-693-1021 as the Territory conducts the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, or BRFSS, a health survey used to better understand the health and well-being of Virgin Islands residents.

The Virgin Islands BRFSS health survey is conducted by the Department’s Chronic Diseases and Prevention Division in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands Eastern Caribbean Center with funding from the CDC and collects information from adults about health behaviors, chronic health conditions, preventive health practices and access to healthcare.

“The information residents provide through BRFSS gives us a clearer picture of the health needs of our community,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “We encourage residents who receive the call to participate. Their responses help us identify health trends and strengthen programs and services for the people of the Virgin Islands.”

Telephone numbers are selected randomly, and residents with a 340 area code may be contacted by cell phone or landline. Participants must be 18 years or older. The survey takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes, and calls may be made during the day, evenings or weekends.

Commissioner Encarnacion noted that she has already received the call and completed the survey herself. “Every response matters,” she said.

Participation is voluntary and responses are confidential and anonymous. Participants may decline to participate, reschedule the interview or choose not to answer a particular question. Interviewers will never ask for money or bank account information.

Residents who see 340-693-1021 on their caller ID are encouraged to accept the call and help shape a healthier Virgin Islands.

“BRFSS gives us valuable information about chronic diseases and the health risks affecting people in the Virgin Islands,” said Lyña Fredericks, Director of the Chronic Diseases and Prevention Division. “We use that data to better understand the needs of our community and to develop and strengthen programs that address those needs, including our Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.”

For more information about BRFSS, contact the Virgin Islands Department of Health at 340-774-7477, Ext. 5677, or visit doh.vi.gov/programs/chronic-disease-and-prevention.

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