If she claims she’s a phlebotomist, ask for ID!
We got an email from a city epidemiologist on Friday asking for help in getting the word out about a city survey that looks into the health of city residents.
The city wants to make sure people know about this survey, because it’s doesn’t simply entail filling out a form. In fact, the HANES survey picks 3,000 New Yorkers and sends researchers to their door to interview them and ask them for a sample of their blood, urine and saliva. The epidemiologist who contacted us figured that most New Yorkers don’t open the door for people asking for their blood or their urine. “Unlike many health surveys, which are based entirely on self-report, NYC HANES asks participants to take a brief physical exam and to provide blood, urine and saliva samples for lab tests to assess for common health conditions.”
There’s some more info below, and a press release here.
Will You Be Selected?
3,000 New Yorkers—including residents of the Upper West Side—have been randomly selected for an important health survey based on their address. If selected, you will receive a letter or someone with identification will knock on your door.
You don’t even have to leave your home to participate in the New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES) which is being conducted by the CUNY School of Public Health and the New York City Health Department. NYC HANES takes 2-3 hours and pays up to $100 if you also give blood, urine & saliva.
CUNY’s School of Public Health contracted with RTI (the name of the company on the ID badge) to conduct the survey so the badge is the best ID. NYC HANES field workers who draw blood are trained phlebotomists. Survey participants can also go to a Manhattan location if they prefer not to have their blood drawn at home.
Results from the first NYC HANES 10 years ago helped curb smoking in public parks and beaches and eliminate unhealthy fats from restaurant foods. Your participation means you will be able to take credit for future health initiatives to benefit all New Yorkers.
Image via Ricky’s. For other nurse costumes, click here.
Re: “…sends researchers to their door to interview them and ask them for a sample of their blood, urine and saliva.”
Which, of course, recalls this oldie:
Irving is late getting home from his morning ‘sit-on-the-bench-in-the-park-and-shmooze’ session, and when he does finally show up he’s battered and bruised, his clothes are rumpled, and he’s a mess.
“Oy, Gevalt!” yells his wife, Becky, “Vot happened?”
“Ve vere tawking,” moans Irving, “and I mentioned to Schwartz that the docteh vants I should have a urine and saliva test! I never hoid from such a ‘ting, so I says to Schwartz, ‘Schwartz, you’re a smart guy. Vot’s a urine and saliva test?’ And Schwartz, dat no-goodnik, smiles and says ‘Pee in a bottle and spit in a cup!’ Oh, yeah, I say, so you can go c–p in your hat!’ ….and that’s how the fight started!”
Is this the woman that shows up to examine you? If so, I volunteer!!!