Since 1790, the United States has counted its population every 10 years with a decennial census. An updated and accurate count of the country’s population informs the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds for the next decade that support education, health care, emergency services, housing, food assistance and more in your community.
Responding to the 2020 U.S. Census is one small way you can support your community during a year with many challenges as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic.
A population under count could cost states millions of dollars in lost federal funding. That’s why we are urging the patients and residents in the communities we serve to act now.
Our ministry’s mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved, extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals. Ensuring that everyone is counted in the 2020 Census directly impacts our ability to bring good help to those in need whether through our health care services or our community commitment.
Here’s a breakdown of how the census impacts the states in which we serve:
Ohio
- Medicaid: $15.5 billion
- Medicare Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B): $2.4 billion
- State Children’s Health Insurance Program: $353 million
- Health care centers: $130 million
- Block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse: $65 million
- Social services block grants: $57 million
For every uncounted person in Ohio, the state loses about $1,814 in annual funding, or more than $18,000 per person over the 10-year period between censuses.
Kentucky
- Medicaid: $7.8 billion
- Medicare Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B): $ 882 million
- State Children’s Health Insurance Program: $232 million
- Health care centers: $68 million
- Block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse: $20 million
- Social services block grants: $22 million
For every uncounted person in Kentucky, the state loses about $2,021 in annual funding, or $20,210 over the 10-year period between censuses.
If you haven’t already, take action and respond to your census. It only takes a few minutes and can be done by phone, by mail or online.
Visit the official 2020 Census website for more information or to respond online. Please join us in this effort to ensure that everyone is counted by the U.S. Census Bureau’s deadline of September 30, 2020.
Have you already submitted your 2020 Census? Encourage your friends, family and followers to submit theirs by sharing this information.
Thank you for helping us support our communities.
