Your story, our future: new survey seeks input from First Nations on COVID-19
Now that BC has “flattened the curve" of COVID-19, the province is preparing to re-start health care, public services, the economy – and our lives! Government and health leaders are seeking input from BC citizens, including First Nations and Indigenous peoples, to develop action plans.
The BC COVID-19 Survey: Your story, our future is a BC-wide population health survey to gather individual experience, knowledge and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. As BC continues to respond to the pandemic, it's important that we hear from First Nations people about how this has affected you, your family, your community and your future.
The BC COVID-19 survey: your story, our future is available online at www.bccdc.ca/covid19survey. Those who can't complete the survey online may call 1-833-707-1900, seven days a week, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to take the survey over the phone.
This survey is the first of several activities to strengthen BC's pandemic response and our understanding of the impacts of COVID-19.
At the end of the survey, you will be asked about participating in two important projects:
1. A serology survey (blood testing) to help find out immunity levels across the population, and
2. Planning for future waves in which identifying, containing and tracing are boosted by using technology to coordinate and share information.
The First Nations Health Authority supported the Provincial Health Services Authority and other public health leaders in developing the survey, which:
• is open to all British Columbians 18 years of age and older.
• will take about 10-15 minutes and can be done online on any tablet, computer or mobile device.
• will be open until May 31.
Learn more and take the survey now: www.bccdc.ca/covid19survey
Survey FAQ
Why is it important to complete the survey?
As First Nations, we need our voices included in this survey process. Information collected from the survey guides public health prevention goals and plans for the future and to better understand the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in BC.
This is your opportunity to tell us how you are doing. The more responses received, the better the information we are able provide to public health and our partners.
What kinds of questions will be asked?
The questions ask you about COVID-19 related illness, actions you take to prevent COVID-19, your health and well-being, your healthcare needs and how COVID-19 has affected you. You can choose not to answer certain questions in the survey, but the more information you provide, the better we are able to plan for BC's future.
All answers are anonymous and confidential.
How will you protect my information?
The FNHA will work closely with our partners to review and provide stewardship to First Nations data.
Data collected in this survey follows strict privacy practices under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The policy governs how your information is collected, who sees it and how the information is used. Protecting your personal information is important to us and safeguards are in place to ensure your privacy.
Note: FNHA supports the gathering of knowledge that helps leaders and planners strengthen the health and wellness of BC First Nations. As a data steward, FNHA ensures that all First Nations data is collected, protected, used, and shared under OCAP® Principles, (Ownership, Access, Control and Possession). This ensures priority is given to protecting First Nations collective ownership of their data.
Additional questions?
Anyone can call 1-833-707-1900, seven days a week between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Or email covid19speak@bccdc.ca
