Ford County Public Health Department Encourages Ford County Residents to Complete the 2020 Census

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected many aspects of our everyday lives.  It has changed the way we work, shop, travel, worship, and gather.  The time frame for how long these changes will last is unknown.  What is known is that the 2020 Census will help shape our community for the next decade.  The COVID-19 pandemic shows us it’s important to remember that future funding for many of the healthcare and emergency services being used today will be determined by communities participating in the 2020 Census.  Census results also affect funding for Medicare and Medicaid, housing, transportation, schools, highway construction…the list goes on.  Ford County Public Health Department (FCPHD) encourages all Ford County residents to contribute to the county’s funding by completing the 2020 Census.

How to complete to the census

From March 12-20, households across the nation received an invitation to complete the census.  The invitation includes instructions on how to complete the census online or over the phone. Households can respond in their preferred language both online and over the phone with English and 12 additional language options.  Some households—in areas less likely to respond online—received a paper questionnaire in the first mailing.  The paper questionnaire includes a prepaid postage envelope to return it by mail.  All households that have not responded online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire between April 8 and April 16.  

Typically, if a household does not respond to any of the invitations, a census taker will follow up in person at the household’s residence.  Due to the COVID-19 outbreak however, it is uncertain whether census takers will be making in-person visits.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “The key message right now for anyone with questions about how COVID-19 will affect the 2020 Census: It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.”  FCPHD encourages residents to use one of these easy methods right away as you don’t have to wait until Census Day to complete the survey.  

Where you are counted

• You should count yourself at the place where you are living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1, 2020 (Census Day). 
• Babies born on or before April 1, 2020, should be counted at the home where they will live or sleep most of the time, even if they are still in the hospital on Census Day.  Babies born after April 1, 2020, should not be counted in the 2020 Census.
• College students who live away from home should be counted at the on- or off-campus residence where they live and sleep most of the time, even if they are at home on April 1, 2020.
• If you live at multiple places throughout the year, count yourself at the address where you live and sleep most of the time. If you split your time evenly between two or more places, count yourself where you are staying on April 1, 2020.
• People in certain types of group facilities on Census Day are counted at the group facility.
• People with no permanent residence, or who cannot determine a usual residence, are counted where they are on Census Day.

Have questions about the census, or need assistance with completing your survey?  Contact 2020 Census Partner, Ford County Public Health Department at (217) 379-9281.  Visit FCPHD’s website for more information on the 2020 census.