Prevention Institute Opposes Proposed Changes to the 2030 Census

The U.S. Department of Commerce and Census Bureau have proposed significant changes to how the 2030 Census would count residents and collect demographic information. The proposal would exclude many community residents from the population count, eliminate the collection of race and ethnicity information, and prohibit the future collection of sexual orientation information. That’s why Prevention Institute joins organizations across the country in urging the Department of Commerce and Census Bureau to reverse course and stop these proposed changes.

Census data provide essential baseline information about who lives in our communities and how communities change over time. They help determine political representation and inform federal funding and planning for healthcare, schools, transportation, housing, and other community resources that are essential to health, safety, and wellbeing. An accurate Census helps ensure that policies, investments, and services reflect the entire community.

The proposed changes would also limit information communities and decision-makers use to understand community conditions and public health needs. Race and ethnicity data help identify differences in health outcomes and community conditions across populations and make racial inequities easier to identify and track. In our work with communities and partners, we use demographic information alongside community history, relevant policies, and the experiences of people who live there to understand inequities and the structural and institutional factors that contribute to them. This fuller picture helps inform public health strategies and policy and systems changes that advance health equity and racial justice.

A fair and accurate Census benefits every community. The 2030 Census should fully count everyone who lives in our communities and preserve the demographic information needed to understand community needs and conditions.

The public comment period remains open through October 13. If your organization has not yet submitted comments, we encourage you to do so. This is an important opportunity to share your expertise, document how the proposed changes could affect your work and communities, and help build the public record.

Make your voice heard using the “Submit a Public Comment” button here.
 

Our submitted comment is included below.