Announcement

Census participation to help determine funding levels through 2030

Sunday, April 12, 2020

(April 13, 2020) Local officials continue to encourage participation in the 2020 Census, which will help determine federal funding levels for the next decade.

The last time the U.S. Census was conducted, in 2010, Worcester County was among the lowest response rates in Maryland, with just 33.2% self-responding, compared to a 69.5% statewide average, according to https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html.

This year, according to the most recent available data, Worcester again significantly lags behind the statewide average. As of April 11, the total Maryland self-response rate was 51.1%, compared to just 23.4% in Worcester.

The self-response rate refers to the unadjusted rate, which includes vacant housing units in the calculation.

“I encourage everyone to participate in the 2020 Census,” Ocean Pines Association President Doug Parks said. “As Ocean Pines is one of the largest populated communities in the area, our voice can help influence the availability for resources we will need in the future.”

Parks said the number of responses from the Ocean Pines community would directly correlate to the level of federal funding eligibility over the next decade.

“Completing the 2020 Census survey is easy and can be done online or by phone,” Parks said. “It’s also important to note that the information will be kept confidential within the Census system and used only as noted to determine federal funding.

“Information on completing the 2020 Census can be found online at www.mycensus2020.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. Please consider completing the survey, as it will benefit our community for the future,” he added.

Kelly Henry, Worcester County’s Complete Count Coordinator, also encouraged those receiving a Census survey to complete it, even if their Ocean Pines home is a secondary dwelling.

“The survey will want them to note their primary residence, so they are counted at the correct location. But, by completing both surveys, Worcester County will receive credit for a response,” Henry said.

Henry said those sheltering in place somewhere other than Ocean Pines should also go online to complete the survey, so they are counted in Worcester County.

“By having the survey available online, it is so much easier to complete the survey from any location without having to worry about the mail finding you, especially under the current circumstances,” Henry said.

“As we know, the statistics from the survey are used for the distribution of $675 billion in funding for community services such as education, transportation, and health care. In light of the current situation, the Coronavirus has the potential to impact everyone no matter their age, race, social-economic class or location. By having an accurate count, health care professionals would have the resource to determine equipment and vaccines to serve the population,” Henry added.

Visit www.2020census.gov for more information.

Announcement

Census participation to help determine funding levels through 2030

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