PROVIDENCE, RI – Starting on July 13 and running through August, more than 2,000 Rhode Islanders, chosen randomly, will be asked to participate in the RI Life Index telephone survey. The survey is informed by the RI Life Index Coalition, a group of community organizations working in the arenas highlighted within the survey, including basic human needs and social services.
In 2019, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), in partnership with the Brown University School of Public Health, created the RI Life Index as a way to better understand ways in which life factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare, are perceived to impact health outcomes and overall well-being. Last year’s survey, the first to explore Rhode Islanders’ perceptions of the life factors that influence health and well-being, also served to inform BCBSRI’s future community investments and philanthropy.
“Last year’s survey provided a window into how Rhode Islanders view their own health and well-being, as well as that of their community. What stood out was that many Rhode Islanders see access to safe and affordable housing as a significant challenge. That key finding led BCBSRI to invest nearly $800,000 in this critical area,” said Kim Keck, BCBSRI president and CEO. “The 2020 survey will expand on topics included in 2019, with a set of questions added that focus on exploring racial discrimination and health inequities.”
The RI Life Index Coalition was established as a direct result of the 2019 RI Life Index. Member organizations are shaping the next steps in the RI Life Index journey, helping to animate and activate the Index, and providing thought leadership on viable solutions to the challenges identified. Coalition members also provide recommendations about how best to leverage existing data resources. Members include: BCBSRI, United Way of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Brown University School of Public Health, HousingWorks RI, Rhode Island Kids Count, Age-Friendly Rhode Island, The Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island Foundation and Lifespan Community Health Institute.
Siena College Research Institute will once again conduct the survey. Among the question topics are affordable housing, economic mobility, food access/food security, discrimination and micro-aggression, collective efficacy, access to technology and access to medical care.
Results are expected to be released in late 2020. For more information on the RI Life Index, the RI Life Index Coalition, and frequently asked questions, please visit RILifeIndex.org.
About Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (bcbsri.com) is a non-profit, community-focused health plan established in 1939 to help Rhode Islanders finance their healthcare needs. We have a vision to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. And we are committed to improving the health and peace of mind of our nearly 400,000 members by facilitating their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. We celebrate our 80th anniversary in 2019, and we take pride in our Rhode Island legacy and are committed to the community for the next 80 years and beyond.