Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

The Survey Is Active Year-Round

If you receive a phone call or letter on behalf of the Vermont Department of Health about participating in a survey and want to check to see if it was legitimate or have questions about the BRFSS, please call 800-869-2871. 

Each year, we interview more than 6,000 adult Vermonters selected randomly for the BRFSS. All respondents are asked a uniform set of questions, and results are weighted to represent the adult population of the state. ICF International is the interviewing contractor for the Vermont BRFSS.

Personal health behaviors have a major impact on the health of the population and contribute to the leading causes of disease and premature death. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) of adult Vermonters tracks health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. The results are used to assess progress on public health goals, such as Healthy Vermonters 2020, and to plan, support and evaluate health promotion programs. Working in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vermont has participated in the BRFSS since 1990. The CDC provides the Health Department with funding each year to support the implementation of the survey.