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    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

    ​The Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing telephone-based chronic disease surveillance program designed to collect data on the behaviors and conditions that place Maryland adults at risk for chronic diseases, injuries, and preventable infectious diseases. Maryland BRFSS also collects information on health care access and health disparities. The typical sample size is approximately 15,000 non-institutionalized Maryland residents age 18 and older per year.


    The Maryland Department of Health, local health departments, other public health programs, universities, and research organizations use Maryland BRFSS data to assess need, plan programs, evaluate programs, inform policy, and apply for funding. Knowing the type and frequency of health issues and behavioral risk factors enables public health professionals to devise and implement programs geared toward the prevention of chronic diseases, injury, and disability, and to reduce health disparities.​

    Every summer, the Maryland Department of Health solicits requests ​for modules to be included in the next year's questionnaire. Organizations are able to request questions that are of interest for their programmatic needs. For more information on the module request process, please email the BRFSS and Data Manager at mdh.brfss@maryland.gov​. Note: The request for modules for the 2024 questionnaire will be released in August of 2023.​

    The Maryland BRFSS is conducted under guidance from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information regarding the national BRFSS survey and its use in all 50 states and several territories, please visit www.cdc.gov/brfss/.

    Maryland BRFSS data from 2011 through 2020 can be found on the Maryland IBIS website [under revision as of March 8, 2023​]. Data can be analyzed by year, jurisdiction, and a number of demographic variables and other indicators. For all data requests not available through IBIS, please contact the BRFSS and Data Manager at mdh.brfss@maryland.gov



    Please consider participating in the BRFSS survey if you are called. The Maryland BRFSS program depends upon participation of Maryland residents of every age, sex, race, and ethnicity throughout the state in order to properly assess the health of Maryland residents. The survey is completely anonymous, and no identifying information will be recorded or shared.​​

    If you have been contacted to participate in this survey and have questions or would like additional information, please contact the Maryland BRFSS program​ at 443-388-6740 or mdh.brfss@maryland.gov.​ 

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    Additional Maryland B​RFSS resources:

    Maryland BRFSS data tables:

    Maryland BRFSS surveillance briefs:

    Maryland BRFSS infographics:

    Maryland BRFSS webinars:

    • Cognitive Health Webinar June 20, 2017​​

    Maryland BRFSS questionnaires:

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