You are being asked to participate in a survey research project entitled “South Georgia Medical Center’s (SGMC) Community Health Assessment (CHNA) Study,” which is being conducted by Drs. Joseph Robbins (jwrobbins@valdosta.edu) and Keith Lee (keilee@valdosta.edu) at Valdosta State University. The purpose of the study is to collect information on the community health and health care needs of residents in this area. You will receive no direct benefits from participating in this research study. However, your responses may help us learn more about the community’s recent and ongoing health care and medical needs. There are no foreseeable risks involved in participating in this study other than those encountered in day-to-day life. Participation should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. This survey is anonymous. No one, including the researchers, will be able to associate your responses with your identity. Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to take the survey, to stop responding at any time, or to skip any questions that you do not want to answer. There is an optional drawing for a gift card that participants can register for upon completing the first, anonymous, portion of the survey. Your personal responses will remain anonymous even if you wish to be registered for the gift card drawing. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to participate in this study. Your completion of the survey serves as your voluntary agreement to participate in this research project and your certification that you are 18 years old or older. You may print a copy of this statement for your records.

Questions regarding the purpose or procedures of the research should be directed to either Drs. Joseph Robbins or Keith Lee at the VSU e-mail addresses listed above. This study has been exempted from Institutional Review Board (IRB) review in accordance with Federal regulations. The IRB, a university committee established by Federal law, is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of research participants. If you have concerns or questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the IRB Administrator at 229-253-2947 or irb@valdosta.edu.

Do you wish to proceed: