Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Gathering data to guide programs and improve the health of Alaska adults
Who we are
The Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a yearly telephone survey that asks Alaska adults about their health, as well as behaviors that could affect their health.
What we do
We contact randomly selected adults to ask about health care access, chronic conditions, cancer screening, oral health, injuries, diet, exercise, substance use, and more. Once collected, annual data are shared back with the public. Organizations, researchers, and community members use this data to guide and evaluate programs, secure funding, improve services, inform policies and improve the health of Alaskans. BRFSS is part of a national program coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Take the survey
If you are selected to participate, “AK Dept of Hlth” will display on your caller ID for most carriers. The survey is anonymous and takes about 20 minutes. You can skip questions you aren’t comfortable answering. Your answers won’t be linked back to you. You can call 1-833-286-0858 to learn more about the survey, take the survey at another time, or have your number removed from the call list.
Propose survey questions
Annual surveys include a required “core” set of questions with room for optional Alaska-specific questions. Proposals to add questions are due the Friday before Labor Day each year. For a copy of the annual survey, please email doh.brfss.info@alaska.gov.
Stay updated
Get updates on new data, reports and events by subscribing to the Alaska BRFSS listserv