Assessing New Jersey's Perspectives on Health and Well-Being

New Jersey policymakers and other leaders would benefit from improved information on the views of state residents about forces advancing or impeding their health and well-being. As a result, this project is intended to: 1) measure the views of the New Jersey public about health and well-being-related concerns and needs; 2) stimulate dialogue among New Jersey opinion leaders in government, business, non-profit service and advocacy organizations, and funding organizations about public perspectives on health and well-being in New Jersey; and 3) lay the groundwork for possible collaborative funding of future Perspectives on Health & Well-Being polls. Guided by an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of New Jersey-focused funders, three rounds of polls will be conducted at 12-month intervals. To inform poll development, existing national and regional polls will be reviewed and focus groups conducted with diverse communities around the state. Each poll will be followed by extensive communication activities (e.g., public symposia, media events, briefings of key groups, etc.), again designed in consultation with the Advisory Committee. As the project progresses, opportunities will be sought to diversify funding of future polls.