This study will look at stress, trauma, coping, and mental health among first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary purpose of this study is to see how health is reflected in biological markers in the blood among a subset of participants. The research team is most interested in proinflammatory cytokines. These are immune markers found in the blood that increase in response to stress and are linked to risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.
How to collect your dried blood spot samples
Please see the video below for a step-by-step demonstration of how to collect your dried blood spot samples at home. In addition, written instructions can be found here.

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Who is eligible?
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What does the study involve?
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How will my confidentiality be protected?
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How will dried blood spot samples be stored and used?
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Can I request information about the results of my tests?
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Is there any compensation?
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Need more information?