PROVIDENCE, RI (Aug. 9, 2024) – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and the Brown University School of Public Health have jointly launched Rhode Island Voices, a project of the RI Life Index that will take an even deeper dive into learning about the lived experiences of Rhode Islanders and what they have to say about the health and well-being of their communities.

While the RI Life Index will continue to be updated every year based on an annual phone survey, this new component, Rhode Island Voices, will enlist a panel of Rhode Islanders to participate in web-based questionnaires throughout the year. These surveys will delve into such topics as food access, affordable housing, education, job opportunities and other social determinants of health.

Recruitment of a Rhode Island Voices panel of up to 1,000 Rhode Islanders has already begun, with online surveys planned for the remainder of the year. Results of the first surveys will be available in early fall. 

“Now in its 6^th year, the RI Life Index has proven to be a valuable and enlightening barometer to better understand – and act upon – the social factors that Rhode Islanders tell us are the most critical to their well-being," said Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI vice president of corporate social responsibility. “We hope that Rhode Island Voices will build upon that success by further enhancing how Rhode Islanders can lend their voices to these important issues and help shape the future of public health in their communities."

"The RI Life Index is unique across our country because of its breadth, covering the entire state year after year," said Melissa Clark, Ph.D., director of the Survey Research Center and professor of health services, policy and practice at the Brown University School of Public Health. "The addition of the Rhode Island Voices panel now allows us to go deeper into the issues facing residents of our state and help researchers, policymakers and community organizations craft solutions to these seemingly intractable challenges."

A panel survey is a longitudinal project that measures the perceptions and experiences of individuals over time. Because panel surveys benefit from individuals who agree to participate in multiple questionnaires, topics can be asked of the group in more depth compared to a one-time survey. In addition, by collecting data at multiple points in time, patterns of change can be observed on specific topics among the same individuals.

Individuals may register to volunteer as panelists. The surveys will be confidential, take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and occur every few months. In recognition of their contribution, volunteers will receive up to $25 per year.

As part of the effort, organizers are seeking community-based organizations to partner in the ongoing effort to recruit individuals for Rhode Island Voices.

Survey methodology for Rhode Island Voices is being overseen Dr. Clark and Michelle Rogers, Ph.D., associate director of the Survey Research Center and assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences. They also direct the survey for the RI Life Index.

The RI Life Index, including the Rhode Island Voices panel, is guided by the expert recommendations and support of the RI Life Index Coalition, whose member organizations are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders.

Coalition members include AARP Rhode Island; BCBSRI; Brown University School of Public Health; Community Provider Network of Rhode Island; The Economic Progress Institute; HousingWorks RI; Latino Policy Institute; Lifespan Community Health Institute; Medical Legal Partnership Boston; Rhode Island Community Food Bank; the Rhode Island Department of Health; Rhode Island Foundation; Rhode Island Kids Count; and United Way of Rhode Island.

For more information on Rhode Island Voices or to volunteer for the panel, please visit rilifeindex.org/rivoices.