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Appendix G:

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Research to Inform the Prevention of Asthma in Healthcare

SEIU Local 1199 Newsletter Announcement

The healthcare industry has a disproportionate number of workers with asthma. Recent research has indicated that healthcare workers are at a higher risk of asthma, which may be due to chemicals and materials healthcare workers handle every day.

In an effort to reduce the prevalence of asthma among healthcare workers, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), with the support of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, will be asking members to complete a survey collecting information on respiratory health, work history and workplace exposures. This survey is being distributed as part of a research project designed to identify risk factors for asthma found in the healthcare industry. Your participation will be critical for the success of this survey project, and we hope that you will consider participating, if contacted.

In the coming weeks 1199SEIU will be assisting us with recruitment for this project. Select 1199SEIU members will be receiving recruitment material in the mail containing information about this research study and detailing how to access the survey. Participation in the research study is completely voluntary and will take approximately 30 minutes. As compensation for their time, NIOSH will provide 1199SEIU members who complete the survey with a $10 gift card.

Part of the mission of 1199SEIU is to improve and expand quality patient care and improve the lives of members and their families. We at NIOSH strive to prevent workplace illness and injuries. We hope that union members contacted will take the time to complete the questionnaire and help both organizations achieve their goal of a safe and healthy workplace.