Respond to the 2020 Census: For Your Health
By Office of Communication
Posted on April 09, 2020, April 09, 2020

Researcher in lab

The U.S. Census Bureau is now collecting responses to the 2020 Census. And while the main goal is to count every American, the accuracy of that count has a direct effect on us all.

As the world responds to the new coronavirus, it’s important to realize how Census data impacts our healthcare system.

By now, you’ve undoubtedly seen models predicting how many Americans could contract the virus. Many public health models incorporate Census data to track population, high-density living areas and more. Those models then influence the decisions of policymakers.

Your response also helps the federal government determine how to allocate resources. Federal money that funds everything from first responders to public health research is included in these allocations. The Census data collected also gives health experts a better idea which communities are underinsured or have greater health risk factors.

According to The American Public Health Association, “For public health agencies, Census data underscore just about every aspect of work, from research and surveillance to funding levels and policymaking. The data also impact many of the programs that target social determinants of health, such as funding for Medicaid, low-income housing vouchers and food assistance.”

Your response today will help create a healthier future. Click here to respond to the 2020 Census.

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