We all know the census is used for collecting data on American residents. We know this data is used for numerous research projects. We know it’s important, sure, but how important? Where does this research actually go, what does it actually do?

How the census data is used:

1. The data collected from the census determines tax dollar allocation.
2. The data is used by professionals to determine where businesses, hospitals, schools, and clinics are built.
3. The research determines where private and public resources will go.
4. These decisions determine access to care, job growth, and program development.
5. The data can prove with numbers the concerns we see every day.

Why the census is important to Occupational Therapists (OT):

1. With the census determining where businesses, hospitals, schools, and clinics are built, this will in turn determine where OTs can provide care, our caseload, and job growth.
2. The census will determine how many OTs/OTAs, school district need for staffing.
3. This will in turn determine access to OT services and quality of care.
4. The census data informs private and public entities where resources should go.
5. The census influences occupational justice or injustice.
6. The census dictates the reach and impact of OT services.

How the census impacts the people we serve:

1. The census will determine individuals’ and communities’ access to a multitude of services, including OT.
2. The census will affect individuals’ and community’s quality of care.
3. The census influences individuals’and community’s quality of life, education levels, income levels, and social determinants of health.
4. The census will impact individual and community mental and physical health, well-being, life satisfaction, and health outcomes.
5. We will see the biggest affect within the most vulnerable populations.

How OTs and professionals can help:

1. Read up so you can be prepared to answer questions and rebuttal arguments.
2. Sign up and follow up the US Census Bureau on social media to stay up to date
3. Start a conversation with your clients, family, and friends about the upcoming census and remind them to answer the census
4. Participate in a State Complete Count Commission, a Complete Count Committee, or The Opportunity project.
5. Advocate and Ensure your state has established a Complete Count Commission and allocated funds where possible