Your Experience Matters
Welcome! We’re glad you’re here
If you’ve been invited to take the Oregon Health Matters Survey (OHMS), you’re in the right place. This page explains what the survey is about and provides answers to many common questions. Your time and responses are incredibly important to us, and we appreciate you taking a moment to learn more!
What is the Oregon Health Matters Survey (OHMS)
The OHMS is an online survey, administered twice each year to a randomly selected group of Oregon adults, aged 18 and older. The survey asks questions about thoughts and perceptions on tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, chronic disease and caregiving, mental health, and physical activity and nutrition. The information we gather helps us to better support you and our communities. You may have been selected for this survey because:
- You live in Oregon and were randomly chosen to receive an invitation by mail.
- You participate in web panel surveys.
Who We Are
The Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention (HPCDP) section works within the Public Health Division of the Oregon Health Authority. Our mission is to promote health by preventing and managing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, while making healthier choices more accessible for all Oregonians.
We've teamed up with ICF, a non-profit health organization, to conduct this survey and ensure we accurately capture our community's voices. To learn more about ICF,
check out their website.
Why This Survey Matters
Your input helps shape programs for our communities, guide health policies, and set health-related priorities for Oregon. The more voices we gather, the better we understand what Oregon needs to stay healthy. This information helps shape important decisions that impact all of us. By sharing your voice, you play an essential role in creating a healthier future for Oregon’s communities.
We take your privacy very seriously! OHA has very stringent privacy practices. Here’s how we protect your information:
- Your responses will be kept confidential and used only in aggregate form.
- We will never sell your information or disclose your personal identity.
- Any information used to contact you is not linked to your survey responses. The survey does not include any identifiable information about you.
- Your participation won’t affect any services you may receive.
- Participation is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did you contact me?You were selected because you’re part of our community, and your experiences help us better understand local needs.
How was my information used?
We only use basic contact info for outreach—nothing is shared beyond this project.
Is my information safe?
Your responses are confidential and stored safely. OHMS data can be requested using Oregon’s public records process. The dataset does not contain any identifiable information.
Do I have to take the survey?
No, participation is completely up to you!
How long will it take?
Most people finish in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I stop if I feel uncomfortable?
Absolutely, you can stop at any time.
When will I receive my e-gift card for participating?
After completing the survey, you will receive your incentive immediately from ICF.
How did you get my information?
Your address was provided by a public database. The information is used ONLY for mailing purposes. After the mailing, your name and address are destroyed.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can reach us anytime. Our contact information is down below.
If you are experiencing issues with the survey, have questions, or need assistance regarding your e-gift card, please reach out to ICF at
support@OregonHealthMatters.com.
OHMS is currently available in English and Spanish. The online survey instrument is Section 508 compliant and meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.