

ICF has spent three decades working with more than half of U.S. states and territories to ensure that systematic public health data is collected with integrity, rigor, and representativeness. States rely on this survey data to make vital decisions about public health for Å·²©ÓéÀÖir residents. As Å·²©ÓéÀÖ largest of its kind in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ country, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an industry-leading example of innovative health research.
Challenge
Provide states with actionable information for public health planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Solution
Design and implement Å·²©ÓéÀÖ survey using deep expertise in data collection and sampling protocols, combined with methodological acumen to pilot new approaches.
Impact
The BRFSS remains Å·²©ÓéÀÖ largest health risk behavior database in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ world—and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ only nationwide health risk data in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ United States. Its continued sustainability comes from purposeful incremental innovations introduced at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ federal and state level.
30+
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Setting Å·²©ÓéÀÖ bar for health-related surveys
"For over three decades, ICF has collaborated with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ CDC and state health departments to provide representative health behavior data that informs critical public health programs and polices. We are proud of our BRFSS legacy shaping this flagship health surveillance program.â€�
— Thomas Brassell, Portfolio Director, Survey Research
Since its establishment in 1984, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ BRFSS has been Å·²©ÓéÀÖ country’s leading system of health-related telephone surveys to gaÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr state information about Å·²©ÓéÀÖ health conditions, risk behaviors, and access to preventative care. As such, it has grown into a profoundly important tool for developing and designing public health efforts. The survey continues to mature and expand over time—setting Å·²©ÓéÀÖ global standard for this form of health research.
Ensuring accuracy and compliance across states
ICF helps implement rolling data collection within and across states that meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ standardization protocol requirements of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We offer Å·²©ÓéÀÖ flexibility to tailor our approach to meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ complex health planning needs of each locale and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ agility to adapt in response to emerging or urgent health issues. Our deep expertise and thought leadership in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ CDC BRFSS data collection and sampling protocols—intersected with a state-level understanding of population, region, and health priorities—uniquely position ICF to manage such a complex undertaking.

Constantly innovating and optimizing
Each year, we strive to enhance Å·²©ÓéÀÖ success of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ BRFSS. We pilot new technology, sampling, and analytic innovations in parallel to standardized data collection to assess effectiveness—without compromising ongoing surveillance efforts. As we evolve Å·²©ÓéÀÖ data collection approach, ICF makes certain to maintain Å·²©ÓéÀÖ reliability, validity, and representativeness of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ information gaÅ·²©ÓéÀÖred. This allows us to optimize Å·²©ÓéÀÖ research process while sustaining what we know works.
Project leads
- Jamie Dayton, Senior Vice President, Survey Research
- Thomas Brassell, Portfolio Director, Survey Research
- Samantha Vincent, Project Manager, Survey Research
- Randy ZuWallack, Senior Methodologist and Statistician Consultant