06 Oct 2008
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is one of a number of organizations that are exempt from the new National Do Not Call List.
The registry, which was implemented this week, was created to help consumers avoid unwanted telemarketing calls at their homes. Exemptions are allowed for research firms conducting surveys that do not involve the sale of a product or service.
The health unit often conducts telephone surveys to assist with the planning and evaluation of programs and services. In particular, the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) is an ongoing telephone survey conducted on behalf of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit by the Institute for Social Research at York University. Each month 100 randomly selected adults aged 18 and over from the District of Muskoka and the County of Simcoe participate in this telephone health survey.
Survey responses provide the health unit with valuable insight into the attitudes and beliefs of local residents about health issues and topics.
The health unit also occasionally conducts research projects that involve phone surveys. A survey on child health was conducted in 2003, and a review of the Health Connection phone service was held in 2007. In 2007 the health unit also teamed up with other partners in central Ontario to poll the population on their attitudes and knowledge of the concept of walkable communities.
“These surveys were vital for the planning of public health programs and services,” said John Barbaro, a research analyst and lead of the planning and evaluation team at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “The fact that we are exempt from the Do Not Call List reflects how important it is for the health unit to remain connected to the needs and opinions of the citizens of Simcoe and Muskoka through participation in our surveys.”
Barbaro added that the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit would like to thank those who have already participated in surveys and asks individuals who may be called in the future to help plan for the local community by providing valuable information on these important public health matters.
For additional information on the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System please refer to www.rrfss.ca or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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