National Health Survey Launched In Delaware County

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is now in Delaware County as part of the CDC’s initiative to assess the nation's health and nutritional status.

Delaware County is one of only 20 locations nationwide to host the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Now through Sept. 30, a fully equipped Mobile Exam Center will be stationed at the former Briarcliffe Fire Company, 767 Beech Ave. in Glenolden, offering free, voluntary health screenings to randomly selected residents. The data collected helps inform major health policies and guidelines.

NHANES is sponsored by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC.

NHANES has been traveling across the country learning about the health of the U.S. population since 1960.

The survey collects a broad range of data that addresses everything from the chemicals people are exposed to in their environment to the tracking of critical health concerns, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Public health officials and legislators use this information to develop public health policies, like eliminating lead from gasoline and soft drink cans.

Collected data also help produce national baseline information, like blood pressure or cholesterol averages, and standardized growth charts used by physicians across the country.

“NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information," Brian C. Moyer, PhD, Director of the National Center for Health Statistics, said.

All U.S. counties and cities are eligible for NHANES, but this year, Delaware County is one of 20 selected areas to be part of this initiative.

A random sample of about 500 households will receive a letter inviting them to be part of NHANES.

By selecting a random sample, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Those who receive letters will be contacted by an NHANES staff member to complete a brief survey to see if anyone in their home is eligible to take part.

Eligible participants will complete an interview at their home, followed by a health exam at the NHANES Mobile Exam Center at a convenient time.

The Mobile Exam Center is specifically equipped to collect height and weight, blood pressure, body composition, vision, audiometry, oral health, spirometry, and multiple other types of exams, though specific measurements and exams depend on a participant’s age and sex.

Taking part in NHANES is voluntary. All information collected is kept confidential, and individual privacy is protected by law.

Participants receive free health exams at the NHANES Mobile Exam Center and results that can be shared with their health care providers, compensation for transportation and child or adult care costs, and a token of appreciation for their time.

Participation in the survey is by invitation only, so be on the lookout for your letter and for the Mobile Exam Center.

Learn more online here.