Cleveland Health Survey
The Cleveland Health Survey represents a collaborative effort between the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Department of Public Health. The Cleveland Health Survey (CHS) will provide insight into the health, health behaviors, and wellbeing of Cleveland residents down to the neighborhood level and use this information to guide the development and tailoring of programs, policies and resources to better serve the Cleveland community. On July 17, 2023, the CHS launched its pilot survey.
About the Cleveland Health Survey
The Cleveland Health Survey is largely based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) – a national survey on the health of each state. Established in 1984 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the BRFSS is a phone-based health survey, conducted with adults 18 years and older. Each year, all US states and territories conduct the same core survey from which the data are aggregated to provide both state-to-state comparisons and national estimates. Cleveland’s last BRFSS was conducted by the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods in 2015. There is an urgent need for more current data using improved methods for today’s post-pandemic era.
The Cleveland Health Survey is adapting and testing new methods for a new decade including, most notably, address-based sampling with the option to complete a web-based survey. In mid-July 2023, we launched a pilot study to assess the feasibility of collecting survey responses from residents in each of Cleveland’s 34 unique neighborhoods. We mailed 3,400 postcard invitations to randomly selected addresses from each neighborhood prompting residents to complete an online survey or call-in to complete a survey. Information gained in this pilot will be used to inform a full-scale version of the Cleveland Health Survey later in the Fall 2023.
Survey Health Topics
Health Status
Access to Care
Mental Health & Resilience
Violence and Safety
Social Determinants
Tobacco & Cannabis Use
Alcohol Use
Experiences of Racism
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was I selected?
All participants are randomly selected through a Cleveland Address Database. Through random selection, all residents have the potential to be selected and the data are considered to be representative of the general population.
What do I get if I participate?
In the 2023 pilot, one person from each neighborhood who responds will be randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card. The overall chance of being selected if everyone who receives a postcard completes the survey is 1 in 100.
What is the Cleveland Address Database?
The Cleveland Address Database includes residential addresses identified through publicly available information online. This database only includes information on the street address and zip code and does not include any information on individuals who live at each address.
What to expect?
By clicking the survey link, you will be taken to survey portal where you will be asked to enter your Access Code. You will be taken to a an online consent form where you can choose to agree to participate or not participate. If you choose to participate in the survey, you will be directed to the survey which will take an estimated 20-25 minutes of time to complete.
I have more questions, who can I contact?
Study staff can be reached clevelandhealthsurvey@case.edu or by calling 216-368-1918.
