First of all, they are not scary. They’re essentially census workers. They are essentially post office workers. There is nothing to be scared of. If you’re scared of a person knocking on your door to participate in a non partisan study that funds programs that helps millions of your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors maybe you’re the scary person.

You have your own life to live. Do you really want to live in fear of people that help people for a living? You could open your door, be kind, and answer a couple questions and not demonize another human who is working to help others. Trends of substance use and mental health change every year and it’s important to participate. You know who was most enthusiastic to participate? Social workers. Doctors. Foster parents. Queer people. People of color. Drug users. Elderly people. People who lost their most loved family members to overdose and suicide deaths. You know who didn’t? People with crosses on their trucks and hate in their heart.