Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has initiated the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at gathering critical data on health and wellness, as well as identifying areas where public health can be improved. As mandated by Illinois law, IDPH conducts an annual survey to gather reliable data from every county and zip code in the state, thereby establishing a baseline of public health information that enables tracking and measuring progress each year. This marks the first full year for the survey, following a limited pilot project in 2023.

"One of the most important lessons of the COVID-19 public health emergency was the need for public health to have accurate and timely data," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "IDPH is excited to launch the Healthy Illinois Survey to get detailed information on how to best respond to emergencies and improve the health of our residents across the state. I encourage every Illinoisan to watch your mailbox starting this week for an invitation to complete this important, confidential, and volunteer survey. There will be opportunities to participate online and by phone too. I hope you will participate."

The Healthy Illinois Survey aims to reach approximately 55,000 households this year, with a target of at least 400 responses per county and participation from every zip code in the state. To maximize participation, surveys will be conducted online, by phone, and through paper copies sent by mail. The survey will be available in English and Spanish languages. Additionally, Language Line service will be provided for phone participants who speak other languages.

The survey encompasses a range of health-related questions including overall health status, access to care, chronic conditions, use of tobacco and alcohol, diet and nutrition practices, immunization records among others. All responses are strictly confidential with only aggregate data being released publicly.

In an effort to boost participation rates, respondents will receive an incentive ranging from $1-$2 per household prior to the survey, and an additional $10 upon completion of the survey. The IDPH has partnered with NORC at the University of Chicago to conduct this statewide survey.

The Healthy Illinois Survey is being conducted concurrently with the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois households may receive invitations to participate in one or both surveys. More information about the Healthy Illinois survey can be found at Healthy Illinois Survey, while details on BRFSS are available at Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.