Appendix C - Sample Letters

NSCH-11L(A) Initial Web Invite – no incentive

Dear Resident:

The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health, an important national study for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We need your help. This survey provides important information that is used to improve the health of children and families throughout the United States.

Filling out this survey is easy:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

If you are unable to complete this survey online, need assistance, or have questions, please call toll-free at
1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov We are collecting this information online in order to be able to report results more quickly and at considerably less cost.

Even if you have no children between the ages of 0 and 17 years in your household, it is important that you return this survey so that every type of household in America is represented. You will be directed automatically to the questions that apply to your household. It usually takes less than 5 minutes if there is no one in your household 0 – 17 years old, and no longer than 30 minutes to answer the questions for households with children.

All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9. Additional information on these protections can be found on the Privacy Act Statement screen within the online survey. Your household was randomly selected as part of this voluntary study, and we cannot replace your household with another one.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the bottom left corner of the survey web page.

We greatly appreciate your help with this important national study. The results of this study will help educators, researchers, policymakers, child advocates, and the general public better understand and respond to the health care needs of children and families.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

NSCH-11L(B) Initial Web Invite - incentive

Dear Resident:

The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health, an important national study for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We need your help. This survey provides important information that is used to improve the health of children and families throughout the United States.

Filling out this survey is easy:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

If you are unable to complete this survey online, need assistance, or have questions, please call toll-free at
1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov We are collecting this information online in order to be able to report results more quickly and at considerably less cost.

Even if you have no children between the ages of 0 and 17 years in your household, it is important that you return this survey so that every type of household in America is represented. You will be directed automatically to the questions that apply to your household. It usually takes less than 5 minutes if there is no one in your household 0 – 17 years old, and no longer than 30 minutes to answer the questions for households with children.

All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9. Additional information on these protections can be found on the Privacy Act Statement screen within the online survey. Your household was randomly selected as part of this voluntary study, and we cannot replace your household with another one.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the bottom left corner of the survey web page.

We greatly appreciate your help with this important national study, and have enclosed a small token of appreciation for your participation. The results of this study will help educators, researchers, policymakers, child advocates, and the general public better understand and respond to the health care needs of children and families.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

NSCH-12L(A) Census letter head - Web follow up

NSCH-12L(B) HRSA letterhead - Web follow up

Dear Resident:

Recently we requested your participation in the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). If you have completed the NSCH prior to receiving this mailing, please accept our thanks. This survey provides important information used to improve the health of children and families throughout the United States.

Filling out this survey is easy:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

Even if you have no children between the ages of 0 and 17 years in your household, it is important that you return this survey so that every type of household in America is represented. It usually takes less than 5 minutes if there is no one in your household 0 – 17 years old, and no longer than 30 minutes to answer the questions for households with children.

We would not ask for your help in this study if your response was not essential. The information gathered in this survey is critical to understanding children’s health care needs, both in your state and across the country. Your household was scientifically selected from all of the households in the country, and your response represents thousands of households like yours. The information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed or used in any way that identifies you or members of your household.

If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, need assistance, or have questions, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you again for your consideration of this request for help. This study depends on your response. We

hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

NSCH-13L(A) High Web - Second Mail Follow up

Dear Resident:

About three weeks ago, we asked for your help with the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). To the best of our knowledge, we have not yet received your completed survey. If you have completed the NSCH prior to receiving this mailing, please accept our thanks. This survey provides important information used to improve the health of children and families throughout the United States.

Filling out this survey is easy:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

Even if you have no children between the ages of 0 and 17 years in your household, it is important that you return this survey so that every type of household in America is represented. It usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete if there is no one in your household 0 – 17 years old, and no longer than 30 minutes to answer the questions for households with children.

This first-of-its-kind national survey is the best way to get a complete picture of our children’s health and

their health care needs. Because households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have been

selected to participate, this study will also inform us about children’s health and the availability of health

care services in every location. We must make sure that the health care needs of children of all ages

and in every state are met, both now and in the future.

If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, need assistance, or have questions, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you again for your consideration. This study depends on your response. We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

NSCH-13L(B) Low Web – First Paper screener follow up

NSCH-14L(A) High Web – First Paper screener follow up

Dear Resident:

Recently we requested your participation in the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). If you have completed the NSCH prior to receiving this mailing, please accept our thanks. The enclosed survey is the first step in a study that provides important information used to improve the health of children and families throughout the United States.

Please fill out this survey and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided. The survey will

help us identify households with children to be part of this national study. This information is used later to ask those households about health issues that may affect their children.

The ability to complete this survey online is also still available:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

Even if you have no children between the ages of 0 and 17 years in your household, it is important that you return this survey so that every type of household in America is represented. It usually takes less than 5 minutes if there is no one in your household 0 – 17 years old, and no longer than 30 minutes to answer the questions for households with children.

We would not ask for your help in this study if your response was not essential. The information gathered in this survey is critical to understanding children’s health care needs, both in your state and across the country. Your household was scientifically selected from all of the households in the country, and your response represents thousands of households like yours. The information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed or used in any way that identifies you or members of your household.

If you need assistance or have questions, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you again for your consideration of this request for help. This study depends on your response. We

hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-14L(B) Low Web - Second paper screener follow up

Dear Resident:

In June, we wrote asking for your help with the National Survey of Children’s Health. As of today, it

appears that we have not yet received your response. It may be that you did reply, but your completed survey has not yet reached us. Thank you very much if you have already sent it.

If you have not been able to respond, we encourage you to fill out the enclosed survey or respond online today. The study period is drawing to a close.

You can also complete the survey online:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

We very much want to hear from everyone we have contacted. If you prefer to complete the paper survey, we have enclosed a postage paid envelope for returning it. It is important that we hear from you, even if there are no children living in your household.

Your household was scientifically selected from all of the households in the country, and your response represents thousands of households like yours. The information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed or used in any way that identifies you or members of your household.

If you need assistance or have questions, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you again for your consideration. This study depends on your response. We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-15L(A) High Web - Final Screener Attempt

NSCH-15L(B) Low Web - Final Screener Attempt

Dear Resident:

Since June, we have been in contact with you about the National Survey of Children’s Health, which the

U.S. Census Bureau is conducting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are writing again as this is your last opportunity to participate in this very important study.

If you have responded to our request to participate in the study, please accept our sincere thanks. Your

participation ensures that the information we gather is accurate and complete.

The information gathered in this survey is critical to understanding children’s health care needs, both in your state and across the country, providing key insights into how the youngest members of our society are doing and what they need to thrive.

You can also complete the survey online:

1. Type the following web address in the address bar at the top of your internet browser:

https://respond.census.gov/nsch

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

We very much want to hear from everyone we have contacted. If you prefer to complete the paper survey, we have enclosed a postage paid envelope for returning it. It is important that we hear from you, even if there are no children living in your household.

Since the study period will soon end, this is our last opportunity to write and ask for your help. We want to be sure that the study accurately reflects the experiences of households like yours.

If you have any hesitation or questions about participating in the study, please contact us toll-free at
1–800–845–8241 or by email at childrenshealth@census.gov so we may address your concerns.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-21L(A) Initial Paper Topical Letter – single child household

Dear Resident:

A few weeks ago you responded to our request to help with the National Survey of Children’s Health. We greatly appreciate your participation and the participation of thousands of other parents and caregivers from every state who have made the first step of this effort a success.

The second and final step is to complete a more detailed survey about the child who is a member of your household.

This voluntary survey will collect more detailed information on the child’s health status, visits to health care providers, health care costs, and health insurance coverage. The questionnaire should be filled out by an adult who is familiar with this child’s health and health care. For most households, it should take less than 30 minutes to complete.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential, as explained on the front page of the survey. All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the upper right corner of the questionnaire.

Your participation provides critical information on the health and health care needs of children in your state and ensures that households like yours are fairly represented.

If you have any questions about the study or need assistance, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you once again for your help.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-21L(B) Initial Paper Topical Letter – multiple child household

Dear Resident:

A few weeks ago you responded to our request to help with the National Survey of Children’s Health. We greatly appreciate your participation and the participation of thousands of other parents and caregivers from every state who have made the first step of this effort a success.

The second and final step is to complete a more detailed survey about one child who is a member of your

household. Since there is more than one child in your household, the one about whom we would like you to answer questions is:

We have selected only one child per household in order to minimize the amount of time needed to complete the questions. This child has been selected at random to make sure that we are able to represent every type of child and the full range of health situations across the country. It is important that you answer the questions about this selected child.

This voluntary survey will collect more detailed information on the child’s health status, visits to health care providers, health care costs, and health insurance coverage. The questionnaire should be filled out by an adult who is familiar with this child’s health and health care. For most households, it should take less than 30 minutes to complete.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential, as explained on the front page of the survey. All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the upper right corner of the questionnaire.

Your participation provides critical information on the health and health care needs of children in your state and ensures that households like yours are fairly represented.

If you have any questions about the study or need assistance, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you once again for your help.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-21L(C) Initial and Final Paper Topical Letter (group 5)– single child household

Dear Resident:

You recently responded to our request to help with the National Survey of Children’s Health. We greatly appreciate your participation and the participation of thousands of other parents and caregivers from every state who have made the first step of this effort a success.

The second, and final step is to complete a more detailed survey about the child who is a member of your household.

This voluntary survey will collect more detailed information on the child’s health status, visits to health care providers, health care costs, and health insurance coverage. The questionnaire should be filled out by an adult who is familiar with this child’s health and health care. For most households, it should take less than 30 minutes to complete.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential, as explained on the front page of the survey. All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the upper right corner of the questionnaire.

Since the study period will soon end, this is the last time we will be able to write to ask for your help. We

hope that you will complete the questionnaire and mail it back. Your participation provides critical information on the health and health care needs of children in your state and ensures that households like yours are fairly represented.

If you have any questions about the study or need assistance, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you once again for your help.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-21L(D) Initial and Final Paper Topical Letter (group 5)– multiple child household

Dear Resident:

You recently responded to our request to help with the National Survey of Children’s Health. We greatly appreciate your participation and the participation of thousands of other parents and caregivers from every state who have made the first step of this effort a success.

The second and final step is to complete a more detailed survey about one child who is a member of your

household. Since there is more than one child in your household, the one about whom we would like you to answer questions is:

We have selected only one child per household in order to minimize the amount of time needed to complete the questions. This child has been selected at random to make sure that we are able to represent every type of child and the full range of health situations across the country. It is important that you answer the questions about this selected child.

This voluntary survey will collect more detailed information on the child’s health status, visits to health care providers, health care costs, and health insurance coverage. The questionnaire should be filled out by an adult who is familiar with this child’s health and health care. For most households, it should take less than 30 minutes to complete.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential, as explained on the front page of the survey. All information you provide will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in an identifiable way for any other purpose in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the National Survey of Children’s Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Title 13, United States Code, Section 8(b) and Title 42 U.S.C. Section 701(a)(2). The data collected are confidential under Title 13, U.S.C. Section 9.

This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been given the number 0607-####. Response to this collection of information is not required unless it displays a valid approval number from OMB. The eight-digit OMB number appears in the upper right corner of the questionnaire.

Since the study period will soon end, this is the last time we will be able to write to ask for your help. We

hope that you will complete the questionnaire and mail it back. Your participation provides critical information on the health and health care needs of children in your state and ensures that households like yours are fairly represented.

If you have any questions about the study or need assistance, please call toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or email us at: childrenshealth@census.gov

Thank you once again for your help.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-22L(A) Follow-up Paper Topical Letter – single child household

Dear Resident:

We wrote previously requesting your assistance in completing the final part of the National Survey of

Children’s Health, which we are conducting for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To the best of our knowledge, we have not yet received your response. It may be that you returned the

completed questionnaire, but our communications have crossed in the mail. If you did respond, thank

you very much for participating.

If you have not had the chance to complete the questionnaire, please do so as soon as possible. For most households, it should only take 30 minutes or less to complete this survey.

Feel free to contact us toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or by email at childrenshealth@census.gov if you have any questions or need any assistance in completing this survey.

The information collected in this study will be used to help today’s children grow into tomorrow’s healthy adults. We ask for your help because this survey is the only way we have to gather this important

information. And because your household was selected to represent thousands of others, your response

is even more important.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential as explained on the front

page of the survey. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

are required by law to protect the confidentiality of every individual’s responses.

Thank you very much for your kind consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-22L(B) Follow-up Paper Topical Letter – multiple child household

Dear Resident:

We wrote previously requesting your assistance in completing the final part of the National Survey of

Children’s Health, which we are conducting for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To the best of our knowledge, we have not yet received your response. It may be that you returned the

completed questionnaire, but our communications have crossed in the mail. If you did respond, thank

you very much for doing so.

If you have not had the chance to complete the questionnaire, please do so as soon as possible. For most households, it should only take 30 minutes or less to complete this survey.

In order to reduce the time it takes to complete the survey, we have selected one child from your household to focus on in the questionnaire. Please complete the survey for:

Feel free to contact us toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or by email at childrenshealth@census.gov if you have any questions or need any assistance in completing this survey.

The information collected in this study will be used to help today’s children grow into tomorrow’s healthy adults. We ask for your help because this survey is the only way we have to gather this important

information. And because your household was selected to represent thousands of others, your response

is even more important.

We want to assure you that your responses to this questionnaire are confidential as explained on the front

page of the survey. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

are required by law to protect the confidentiality of every individual’s responses.

Thank you very much for your kind consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-23L(A) Final Paper Topical Letter – single child household

Dear Resident:

During the past couple of months, we have contacted you seeking your participation in completing the final part of the National Survey of Children’s Health. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this important national survey on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As you might recall, the survey is designed to provide information about the health and health care needs of our nation’s children. The information gathered in the study gives the public and our state and national governments key insights into how the youngest members of our society are doing, and what they need in order to thrive.

If you have responded to our request to participate in the second and final part of the survey, please

accept our sincere thanks. Your participation ensures that the information we gather is accurate and

complete. If you have not been able to participate thus far, we would like to ask you to do so now. We

have enclosed another copy of this survey for your convenience.

Since the study period will soon end, this is the last time we will be able to write to ask for your help. We

hope that you will complete the questionnaire and mail it back. We want to be sure that the study

accurately reflects the experience of households like yours.

Hundreds of families have already returned their surveys. We would greatly appreciate it if you could

respond soon so that families like yours are accurately represented.

We know there are many competing demands for your time and we appreciate your thoughtful

consideration of this request. It should take 30 minutes or less to complete the survey. Once you have

completed it, please enclose it in the postage-paid envelope and mail it as soon as possible.

Finally, thank you for your kind consideration of this request. If you have questions or need assistance,

please contact us toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or by email at childrenshealth@census.gov

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure

NSCH-23L(B) Final Paper Topical Letter – multiple child household

Dear Resident:

During the past couple of months, we have contacted you seeking your participation in completing the final part of the National Survey of Children’s Health. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this important national survey on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As you might recall, the survey is designed to provide information about the health and health care needs of our nation’s children. The information gathered in the study gives the public and our state and national governments key insights into how the youngest members of our society are doing, and what they need in order to thrive.

If you have responded to our request to participate in the second and final part of the survey, please

accept our sincere thanks. Your participation ensures that the information we gather is accurate and

complete. If you have not been able to participate thus far, we would like to ask you to do so now. We

have enclosed another copy of this survey for your convenience.

Since the study period will soon end, this is the last time we will be able to write to ask for your help. We

hope that you will complete the questionnaire and mail it back. We want to be sure that the study

accurately reflects the experience of households like yours. Please complete the survey for:

Since you have more than one child in your household, we have randomly selected one child to reduce the time it takes to fill out the questionnaire.

Hundreds of families have already returned their surveys. We would greatly appreciate it if you could

respond soon so that families like yours are accurately represented.

We know there are many competing demands for your time and we appreciate your thoughtful

consideration of this request. It should take 30 minutes or less to complete the survey. Once you have

completed it, please enclose it in the postage-paid envelope and mail it as soon as possible.

Finally, thank you for your kind consideration of this request. If you have questions or need assistance,

please contact us toll-free at 1–800–845–8241 or by email at childrenshealth@census.gov

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosure