2020 Census Facts & Resources

Why is the 2020 Census so important to Behavioral Health?

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, health care workers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. This includes funding for mental health and substance use disorder care.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Addressing Concerns About Privacy and the Census:

The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information confidential. Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.

For Individuals who Would Like to Learn More:

Visit: https://2020census.gov/en.html for all you need to know about the upcoming census, including becoming a census taker.

For Providers who Would Like to Share Census Information:

To download specific information sheets and posters for people in rural communities, those with children, renters, the LGBTQ+ community, the immigrant community, and more visit: https://2020census.gov/en/partners/outreach-materials.html.