The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790 with a decennial census. This updated and accurate count of our population influences the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds for the next decade. These funds support important pillars in our communities including education, health care, emergency services, housing, food assistance and more.
As we face many challenges this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for everyone to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census to support your local communities.
Certain areas could lose millions of dollars in federal funding if their population is undercounted. Because of this, we are urging our patients and community members to act now.
As a ministry, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Taking care of the poor, dying and underserved individuals in these populations extends beyond the walls of our health care facilities. Undercounted populations in the 2020 Census will directly impact our ability to bring good help to those in need. Federal funding helps assist us with costs for both our health care services as well as our community commitment.
Check out this breakdown of how the census impacts the states in which we serve:
Virginia
- Medicaid: $4.5 billion
- Medicare Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B): $1.7 billion
- State Children’s Health Insurance Program: $265 million
- Health care centers: $81 million
- Block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse: $42 million
- Social services block grants: $41 million.
For every uncounted person in Virginia, the state loses about $2,000 in annual funding, or $20,000 per person over the 10-year period between censuses.
South Carolina
- Medicaid: $4.5 billion
- Medicare Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B): $1.1 billion
- State Children’s Health Insurance Program: $162 million
- Health care centers: $80 million
- Block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse: $23 million
- Social services block grants: $24 million
For every uncounted person in South Carolina, the state loses about $1,468 in annual funding, or more than $14,000 per person over the 10-year period between censuses.
Take action and respond to the 2020 census now. It can be done by phone, online or by mail and it only takes a few minutes to complete.
Visit the official 2020 Census website for more information or to respond to your census. Everyone must be counted by the U.S. Census Bureau’s deadline of September 30, 2020.
Already submitted your 2020 Census? Talk to your family, friends and online followers about submitting theirs and help us spread the word.
We appreciate everyone for helping us support the communities we are grateful to serve.
