FSM BRFSS Program - Advancing Equity Through Improved Data Collection: Engaging Underrepresented Communities In National Surveys - Abstract The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is one of the six US affiliated island jurisdictions in the Pacific region, and it is comprised of four island groups (states) - Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Yap. Each state has unique settings and challenges, most notably far-reaching outlying islands that are only accessible by ships, and most have limited or no electrical or telecommunications connectivity at all. Along with these challenges the nation is being plagued by non-communicable diseases which is estimated to account for 75% of all deaths according to a WHO study. FSM is one of the jurisdictions that have the primary responsibility for carrying out the public health assurance functions required to achieve the desired outcomes and performance goals established by CDC. FSM is submitting its application for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): Impact in Population Health. Funding through this grant will help the nation implement a health –related behavioral surveillance system to complement and strengthen ongoing data collections within the public health programs with health-related behavioral data to better inform public health actions and ultimately improve the nation’s health. Goals/Objectives: Achieving equity requires robust data collection strategies that encompasses the diverse realities of all communities within a nation. However, the underrepresented communities often remain invisible in national surveys due to barriers to participation. This abstract proposes a framework for enhancing data collection methods to better capture the experiences and needs of these marginalized groups. By employing culturally sensitive approaches, leveraging community partnerships, and utilizing technology to overcome logistical challenges, this framework aims to ensure more inclusive and representative data collection processes. Ultimately, by amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, policymakers can develop more targeted and effective interventions to advance equity on a national scale. Activity: Program will conduct assessment in all the States; identify stakeholders in each of the 4 States to assist the program in the planning; development of the BRFSS implementation plan. Evaluation: Quarterly reports will be submitted to management to showcase efforts in the planning, development and implementation of the BRFSS implementation plan. Key Terms: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs namely the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) program will form a working group with partner programs to plan, develop and implement a BRFSS implementation plan to capture relevant risk factors associated with health to inform public health actions and population health.
