Attach 15E_Buccal Cell Kit Cover Letter North Carolina

Attachment 15E:

Buccal Cell Kit Cover Letter for North Carolina Respondents

Cover Letter for Buccal Cell Collection

(After CATI or other DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITY)

<AHS LETTERHEAD> <DATE>

Dear <Name>,

Thank you for participating in our [follow-up interview/data collection task] for the Agricultural Health Study. You are an essential member of this study, which is designed to learn about how occupation and environmental factors affect an individual’s health.

As we discussed on the phone, we would like for you to collect a sample of loose cells from your mouth. This is done simply by swishing mouthwash in your mouth and then expelling it into the accompanying container (see the enclosed Instructions for Buccal Cell Collection and Mailing). The cells will be kept in a freezer for long-term storage, and will be used for later laboratory analysis. This will take only a few minutes of your time and will provide very important information for the study. Once you collect this sample, please return it as soon as possible in the padded envelope enclosed along with the signed consent form. We have enclosed $5 for your time in collecting and mailing the buccal cell sample. If we have not received the kit back in about 3 weeks, we may contact you to see if you have any questions or concerns.

We will continue to inform you about the study’s progress on various aspects of research through periodic communications. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-4AG-STUDY. We will be glad to assist you.

We truly value your continued participation in this landmark study of agricultural workers and their families. Because you have already provided us with valuable information no other person can take your place.

Thank you once again for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Charles Knott

North Carolina Director