Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System - Project Abstract The Missouri Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (MO BRFSS) is a pivotal public health initiative designed to collect, analyze, and disseminate comprehensive health data to inform policies, programs, and interventions aimed at improving the health of Missouri residents. With a particular focus on underrepresented populations, MO BRFSS seeks to enhance the inclusivity, accuracy, and utility of health data, thereby addressing health disparities and promoting equity across the state. With 114 counties, St. Louis City, and a population of just over six million, Missouri is geographically and demographically diverse. Missouri is facing a serious challenge when it comes to chronic diseases and related risk factors. The state ranks in the bottom third for various health indicators such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and more. The prevalence of these health conditions is even more alarming among minority and rural populations who are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and related risk factors, leading to higher rates of mortality. To address these challenges, there is a need for comprehensive and targeted efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, increase access to quality healthcare, and address social determinants of health. Strategies and Activities: MO BRFSS plans to implement three core strategies to achieve its objectives: 1) Enhance data collection and planning processes to ensure a representative and comprehensive dataset, emphasizing inclusivity of Missouri's diverse populations. This will involve advanced data collection methodologies, collaboration with the CDC, and engagement with community stakeholders. 2) Strengthen community partnerships to foster collaboration and support, particularly focusing on underrepresented communities to ensure their health data needs are met. 3) Launch targeted outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness of BRFSS data's significance, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities and rural populations, through various media platforms and community forums. Outcomes: Short-term outcomes include improved data inclusivity and accessibility, leading to a deeper understanding of health disparities. Intermediate outcomes focus on the utilization of BRFSS data to tailor health initiatives for underrepresented groups and the strengthening of community partnerships for better health data dissemination. Long-term outcomes aim at reducing health disparities and chronic disease incidences among underrepresented populations, supported by data-informed public policies and health programs. Through these strategies and anticipated outcomes, MO BRFSS will play a crucial role in shaping a healthier future for all Missourians, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs and challenges of underrepresented communities. This grant application seeks support to enhance MO BRFSS's capacity to collect, analyze, and utilize health data more effectively, driving forward the agenda of health equity and improved public health outcomes across the state.
