The United States continues to focus on COVID-19 and how to safely reopen our communities while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations. State and local governments are also concentrating on hurricane season and how to address the necessary changes needed for sheltering during the pandemic.
There is a lot on our "community plate," so it’s no wonder the 2020 Census could be taking a back seat.
I am certainly not downplaying the seriousness of these issues but want to make a case for the importance of completing the 2020 Census — especially as it applies to the older adult population. Let’s review some facts about completing the 2020 Census.
The following information is taken from the US Census website:
As of June 16, Sarasota County’s self-response rate was 62%, above the Florida self-response rate of 58.7%. Overall, Florida is falling behind the national rate of 61.5%.
For the first time since 1790, the census will be digitized. Moving to an online presence is projected to save an estimated $5.2 billion.
Older adults (56%) age 65 and older reported they aren’t comfortable with an online response and prefer to fill out a paper Census form.
Census data is used to determine the number of congressional representatives. With an estimated 900 people per day moving to Florida, two additional representatives’ seats could be gained.
Federal financial aid is determined through census data. About one-third of Florida’s general revenues come from federal funding ($25.5 billion).
A population-based funding formula affects the distribution of Older Americans Act dollars. This includes services such as meal programs, in-home services, transportation and health and wellness funding.
Census data is used to determine community need for things such as hospitals, roads, parks, schools, transportation and 911 emergency systems.
Census data helps health providers predict the spread of disease through communities with children, older adults, or other vulnerable populations. It also helps emergency management know where help might be needed in a natural disaster.
So, those are among the facts about why the census is so important to our community. Let’s talk about next steps and how to alleviate concerns about how to complete the census.
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Read more stories about the 2020 census.
Everyone should have already received the postcard invitation to respond online. Don’t worry if you threw it away; those who did not answer should have already received a paper form in the mail. You can complete the paper form and drop it in the mail.
If you still have not completed the census, census takers may come and place a paper copy at your residence. Census takers are resuming in-person assistance in some areas but are tentatively scheduled to resume in August. There is always the option to respond by phone at 844-330-2020. Language support is offered. The census timeline has been modified because of COVID-19, and while everyone is encouraged to respond as soon as possible, the deadline is Oct. 31, 2020.
Confidentiality and safety are two important issues concerning older adults. Census takers on the phone or in person will never ask for a full Social Security number, ask about citizenship status, seek financial donations, or inquire about bank or credit card numbers. Census takers will have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce Watermark and an expiration date. If you have any questions about a census takers identity, you can call 844-330-2020.
So, now you know: Census data helps communities make decisions about the future, determines federal funding, affects our congressional and state legislative districts and shapes the future of housing, schools and business. All these elements are important if we want to thrive and advance the Age-Friendly Sarasota Initiative. Don’t be complacent; be a part of designing the kind of community you want by completing the 2020 Census.
Susan Firestone is aging system policy coordinator for Sarasota County.
For more information, go to www.2020census.gov. Census 2020 special coverage comes from Aspirations Journalism, an initiative of The Patterson Foundation and the Herald-Tribune to inform, inspire and engage the community.
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Important to complete census because it impacts so many of facets of our lives - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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