SUDBURY -- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Porcupine Health Unit is conducting a telephone survey of residents across the region during the month of December.

The purpose of the study is to better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the health unit said in a news release Monday. Responses will be used to develop public health strategies to promote mental health.

"Mental health is different from mental illness -- it is a state of well-being that everyone has," the health unit said.

"Mental health is a balance of many aspects of life that gives us the opportunity to live as whole and healthy individuals. It involves how we feel, think, act, and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about being our best self, coping with the normal stresses of life, and contributing to our community."

The survey is available in English and in French and will be completed by EKOS Research Associates. Participants must be 18 years old and the survey is completely voluntary. All responses are anonymous.

The Porcupine Health Unit serving the entire Cochrane district and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.