In the fall of 2005, the Virginia BRFSS Work Group was re-formed to oversee the administration and implementation of the BRFSS in Virginia. The Office of Family Health Services (OFHS) at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) created the Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Work Group (VBWG). This work group will formalize and strengthen relationships with individuals, programs and agencies (both public and private) that are interested in the Virginia BRFSS. More specifically, this group will provide guidance for Virginia’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System activities. The creation of the work group concept has received strong support from the CDC Behavioral Surveillance Branch.
The Virginia BRFSS Work Group consists of individuals from the various OFHS divisions including Chronic Disease Prevention and Control; the Division for Injury and Violence Prevention; the Policy and Assessment Unit; and Dental Health. Other work group members are from Virginia Commonwealth University and the VDH OFHS Policy and Assessment Unit.
If you are interested in attending a Virginia BRFSS Work Group meeting or would like to become a member, please contact the Virginia BRFSS Coordinator.
Janice Hicks, Ph.D., Policy and Assessment Director, VDH OFHS Policy and Assessment Unit
Gail Jennings, Ph.D., Epidemiologist, VDH Division of Chronic Disease Prevention & Control
Elizabeth Lazaar, MS, MPH, Epidemiologist, VDH Division of Dental Health
Susan Kennedy Spain, MS BRFSS Coordinator, VDH OFHS Policy and Assessment Unit
Michelle White, MSW PRAMS/VAIP IT Coordinator, VDH OFHS Policy and Assessment Unit
Virginia BRFSS Work Group Goals and Objectives
