BC's largest population health survey, the SPEAK survey, has been extended and will remain open until July 31 to help boost participation.
People living in the Northern region of BC can have a say in shaping the health programs and services in their region by participating in the Survey on Population Experiences, Action, and Knowledge (SPEAK) survey and sharing their experiences over the past few years.
“In the last three years, the health needs of individuals and communities across the North have evolved. It’s so important for people living in our region to fill out the provincial survey and ensure that Northern voices and experiences are heard.” ~Dr. Jong Kim, Northern Health Chief Medical Health Officer
Together with the BC Centre for Disease Control and health authorities across the province, we launched the third round of SPEAK on April 25. To date, over 85,000 people have responded, and we are hoping to hear from 120,000 people of all backgrounds and from all over the province, particularly from underrepresented groups, where participation levels are lower, such as:
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people
- People from racialized communities; including those of Chinese, South and Southeast Asian, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, and more
- People living in rural parts of the province
- Men aged 18 to 34
- People aged 75 and older
- People with no post-secondary education
- People with lower household incomes; and
- People with children and young adults in their lives.
The survey asks how people living in BC are doing when it comes to their social, economic, physical health, mental health, and overall well-being, so we can better support communities across the province.
These type of population health assessments help inform public health interventions, practices, and policies. Previous survey findings have informed policy and programming priorities, including the reopening plans and safe return to school for kindergarten to grade 12, to target vaccine interventions in areas with low uptake and initiatives aimed at improving mental wellness in children and youth.
The survey takes around 20 minutes to fill out and can be accessed at BCCDC Speak Survey. Members of the public are also encouraged to share the survey with their family and loved ones and help them participate as needed.
People who don’t have access to a computer or face other accessibility issues, can reach out to Northern Health for assistance at 250-631-4236, and paper surveys are available in certain locations. Northern Health is also holding a draw for Northern BC residents who complete the survey. Eligible participants can enter their email address for the chance to win one of three iPads and one of 150 grocery gift cards.
SPEAK is available in 10 different languages and people’s responses will inform future public health initiatives across the province. By responding to the survey people living in BC will let their health authority know what resources are needed to improve health and well-being in their community.
The SPEAK survey is funded by the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health.
The BC Centre for Disease Control, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides public health leadership through surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention and consultation services. The Centre provides diagnostic and treatment services for people with diseases of public health importance, and analytical and policy support to all levels of government and health authorities. The BCCDC also provides health promotion and prevention services to reduce the burden of chronic disease, preventable injury and environmental health risks. For more, visit www.bccdc.ca or follow us on Twitter @CDCofBC.