Health

spent, including support for schools, roads, parks, public health, transportation, neighborhood improvements, and more.

The Census began in March and closes July 30. Every ten years, the government counts every person in our country, not just citizens and voters, but everyone. Understandably, some people are nervous about completing a government survey, but the benefits outweigh the risks.

The census asks for your name, date of birth, race, sex and the number of people living in your home, but personal information gathered as part of the Census cannot be shared with anyone or any other federal agency, including the Internal Revenue Service or Immigration or Customs Enforcement. Data is only released in summary tables; no individual records are released. (The penalty for wrongful disclosure is up to five years imprisonment and/ or a fine of $250,000.)

It is easy to participate.

The 2020 Census is the first one in history that allows people to participate online. Most people have received a unique identifying number in the mail, which allows them to complete the online form. You may also receive a paper survey in the mail.

Census Bureau employees will also visit some people at their homes. These employees will never ask for money and they will have a photo ID badge with a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. (If you suspect fraud, call 1-800923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative or visit census.gov to learn more.)

Times are tough, but so are we. Our coastal communities have survived hardship before, and by pulling together and taking care of one another, we will do so again.