What’s it like to participate in this study? John’s Story*

John was 28 when we talked to him about why he decided to participate in the UK Health Follow-Up Study. He is a father and a former Marine.

The past few years have been hard for John, and he went to a state funded health program last year for help. John told us he thinks it is important to share his story to help others, particularly kids. “Being in the marines, out there lost in the madness—I don’t want my kids to get lost in that. At first, I was ashamed of all I’ve done, but now I actually feel good knowing that I can go from all that and not want to venture back. I have other ways to occupy my time—I think I could do some good.”

John enjoyed doing the survey because he believes doing the survey and giving feedback about health programs helps other people by making the programs better. He also found talking to the interviewer very easy. He said she was “kind and relatable.” 

 The UK Health Follow-up Study often has current college students working on the study. This gives students a chance to earn some money as well as job skills. But this job also allows students to talk to a variety of people coping with many different kinds of health programs. Students are very happy to hear about programs that help people and to be a part of helping programs do better when people did not do as well after attending a program. 

John encourages other clients to take part in the survey, and has some helpful advice for those hesitant to enroll: “They’re not taking names, and they’re just looking for honest answers. They don’t care if you’re a guy or girl, or what age you are. Just give any information you can share—just get it out there.”