Most residents will receive the 2010 U.S. Census form in the mail beginning March 15-17.
Most residents will receive the 2010 U.S. Census form in the mail beginning March 15-17. When it arrives, make sure you don’t mistake it for another piece of junk mail as it is quite possibly one of the most important pieces of mail you will receive this decade.
Most people are aware that the census counts every resident in the United States every 10 years, but most don’t understand the importance of the census and are definitely not in a rush to fill out the form and return it to the Census Bureau. However, if residents fully understood what was at stake they might actually take more of an interest.
The fact is that an accurate count of residents can have a tremendous impact on community resources because most state and federal funding is based on population and determined by the census. An accurate count in the 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:
• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Schools
• Senior centers
• Bridges, tunnels and other public works projects
• Emergency services
The data collected by the census also helps determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
When you receive your census form, just answer the 10 short questions (it should take about 10 minutes) and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don’t mail the form back by April 1 you may receive a visit from a census worker, who will ask you the questions on the form. Rest assured that the information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only; your personal data is protected under federal law and is strictly confidential.
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD), located at 151 Commerce Drive in Ithaca, is doing its part to ensure that every resident is counted by serving as a Census Questionnaire Assistance Center. A U.S census representative will be available at the Health Department to assist community members in completing census forms from March 19 through April 19. It is not necessary to make an appointment.
MMDHDs Questionnaire Assistance Center is open:
Mondays from 10 a.m. - noon and 1-4 p.m.
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - noon and 1-4 p.m.
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m.
Thursdays from 10 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m.
Fridays from 10 a.m. - noon and 1-4 p.m.