Take 10 Minutes to Complete the 2010 Census

By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

The 2010 Census is upon us and the government is urging every American to take ten minutes and fill it out. The Census determines the amount of federal funding and political representation in Congress that every state of the nation is entitled to. Therefore, more people completing the Census can mean more money for things like schools and hospitals. Additionally, many researchers and planners utilize statistics from the Census in formatting new policies and community initiatives.

Unfortunately, many individuals do not fill out the Census. Some people may not be aware of the importance or they are worried about the government knowing too much about them. Keep in mind that any personal information given is protected by law. In 2000, the last year the Census was taken, the average nationwide response rate was seventy-two percent. The state of Maryland’s response rate was similar at seventy-three percent, only sixty percent of Baltimore City residents completed the Census the last time around. City officials in Baltimore are strongly encouraging every household to take a few minutes and fill out the questionnaire this year.

Completing the Census is simple and does not take long. Every household should have recently received a short questionnaire by mail, including a postage-paid envelope in which to return the form. If you do not fill out and return the form, a census taker will visit your home on or after April 1, 2010 and ask the same questions. The Census website provides an overview of each question asked as well as the reasoning behind each query. If you have any concerns check out the Census FAQ database.