Navy's Behavioral Health Quick Poll launching soon
4/17/2017
by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- This month, 42,000 Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in the Navy's Behavioral Health Quick Poll (BHQP).
The BHQP is developed by the 21st Century Sailor Office's Operational Stress Control (OSC) Program and is conducted every two years. The poll-which is approved by the Chief of Naval Operations-examines the amount and sources of stress Sailors are experiencing, how Sailors react to stress and its impacts, as well as perceptions and knowledge of available resources.
"We know that Sailors experience a myriad of challenges both on and off the job," said Leanne Braddock, Navy OSC Program Manager. "The Behavioral Health Quick Poll is an opportunity for Sailors to shape the programs and policies that can help them stay mission-ready and better respond to the challenges associated with Navy life."
Participation in the BHQP takes less than ten minutes. The poll consists of 17 multiple choice questions that are completed and submitted online. Sailors will be invited to participate at random using a computer-generated "token" and will be notified of their selection via email. Participation is anonymous and responses cannot be traced back to an individual.
"Operational Stress Control is a shared responsibility between Sailors, leaders and families," said Braddock. "Sailors' perceptions and insights are among the primary drivers behind our approach to developing tools that promote good physical, psychological and behavioral health."
The BHQP has been conducted since 2009. Results of previous polls have been used to identify trends and connections between sources of stress in the fleet and recommend operational changes to reduce stress; establish and revise OPNAV policy and requirements; create training courses for junior leaders, senior leaders and family members; and more.
The Navy Operational Stress Control (OSC) Program seeks to create an environment where Sailors, commands and families can thrive in the midst of stressful operations. The OSC Program is governed by OPNAVINST 6720.1A and offers courses for deckplate supervisors and unit leaders to better enable them to build trusting relationships with their Sailors, identify and mitigate stress, and strengthen their commitment to every Sailor, every day.
In addition to these courses - which are delivered via mobile training team (MTT) at no cost to the command - the OSC Program conducts research on several key issues impacting Sailors in their personal and operational environments, such as sleep deficits and the benefits of circadian watch bills. The program also offers tips to navigate life's many challenges through its Every Sailor, Every Day campaign; a digital communications campaign run in collaboration with the Navy Suicide Prevention Program.
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Participating in this year's Behavioral Health Quick Poll is a great way to help the Navy become more aware of the stress issues that Sailors are currently facing in order to better support you, your command and your family.
For more information on the Navy OSC Program, including training and additional resources, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/osc/Pages/default.aspx.
Learn more about the Behavioral Health Quick Poll and get tips to help you and your family navigate stress by liking Navy Operational Stress Control on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/navstress), following on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/navstress) and subscribing to the NavyNavStress blog (http://navstress.wordpress.com).

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