Covid-19/Coronavirus Messaging Research Study and Survey – Recruitment Letter

 The following is survey is being done by a consortium that includes VT.  Please take a minute and read the letter and take the survey.  Remember to add Virginia Cooperative Extension to your list of where you obtained information is we have served as a source for you.

May 18, 2020

Dear community partner,

Virginia is facing an unprecedented health care crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 18, 2020, there have been 31,140 cases and 1,014 deaths of Virginians attributed to COVID-19 (Virginia Department of Health, 2020). On March 30, 2020 Governor Northam issued a “stay at home” order.

Right now, one of our most effective tools to reduce harm from COVID-19 is social distancing, which decreases the transmission of the virus to other persons and can help everyone, including those who are especially vulnerable, from infection and severe disease. By keeping the number of cases at a given time low, we can make sure our health care systems are not overwhelmed, can meet demand, and can save lives with limited resources. Despite the present health crisis, many persons have expressed concerns about what to do to protect themselves and their families from the virus and many others may not be taking it seriously and could be putting themselves and others at risk. There has been contradictory information from multiple sources, leading to misunderstanding and confusion.

Virginia Tech, as a partner institution of the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV) represented by UVA, Virginia Tech, Carilion Clinic, and Inova Health System, along with UVA College at Wise, is undertaking a state-wide research study to better understand how Virginians perceive COVID-19 communication and how it affects their actions. This information will help to create a better understanding of how to communicate critical messages to reduce harm to Virginians. The study team includes public health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers.

We are asking you to share this survey with your Virginia constituents who are 18 and older so we can evaluate how to best prepare and share accurate information. Please share the sample text below on the communication platform(s) of your choosing (i.e., social media, email, handout, etc.).Community members, please help us understand how you heard and responded to information about the coronavirus/COVID-19. By participating in this important 5-10-minute survey about COVID-19, you can help improve efforts to communicate information related to public health. Take the anonymous survey at: bit.ly/covid19messaging

Your efforts to help all Virginians are needed at this challenging time. Please contact Dr. Natalie Cook, the project investigator, at necook@vt.edu for more information or if you have any questions.

Reference: IRB #20-353

Thank you for considering this request. We wish you the very best.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Friesen PhD, RN, CPHQ Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice Coordinator Inova System Office

Shirley B. Holland, VP Planning & Community Development Carillion Clinic

Kristin I Miller iTHRIV Partnership Manager University of Virginia

Natalie E. Cook, PhD Assistant Professor of Public Health Virginia Tech