Census 2020: Making Sure Everyone Is Counted
By Bianka Soria-Olmos
In the United States the Census takes place every 10 years. By now we hope you have heard that the Census is taking place this year. The goal of each census is to count each person in the US. Why does the census matter? This information helps determine how billions of dollars get spent on things like schools, roads, hospitals and community resources.
The Census has been well underway now since the beginning of this year. Around March of 2020 the US Census Bureau began sending US households instructions on ways to participate. It has never been easier to participate, the following methods to respond include:
- Online - via any mobile or computer device with internet access
- By mail (just drop off the completed census form in the nearest mailbox)
- By phone (quick and easy by answering several questions).
By August 10, 2020, the US Census Bureau estimates that 64.5% of Tarrant County households had already responded to the survey. This is great news! That response rate is better than the overall estimated rate for Texas of 58.3%. However we know we can do better than that. Although the Census Bureau is planning on visiting households that have not yet responded this has become a bit problematic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to an extension period. Self responses are still being accepted in the forms listed above will be accepted through September 30th, 2020.
North Texas is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. The growth of the our communities leads to more needs for programs and services for growing families and especially children. When completing your survey please remember to include ALL people that live in your home (including newborns to adults). It is estimated that in the last census (2010) almost 2 million children under the age of 5 were NOT counted. If we don’t count everyone, especially children between ages of 0-5 then the programs that provide services to these children may be reduced or eliminated as a result.
If you have not yet responded to the 2020 Census, please visit www.2020census.gov and compete the survey today. Remember it only takes a few moments and all the information is kept confidential. Let’s work together to makes sure all kids get counted, tell friends and family about how important it is to complete the census.
Making sure #EveryChildCounts in the 2020 Census!
And I thought we should end with a word from our friends at Sesame Street about the Census.
Get to know Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O.
Dr. Soria-Olmos is a Cook Children's pediatrician in Haslet. She was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, so Cook Children's has always had a special place in her heart. She came to know Cook Children's when she was just a kid herself. She went to the medical center a number of times with her active younger brother, who needed care following several mishaps with broken bones. The visits inspired her to decide, "I want to be a Cook Children’s doctor one day."
In pursuit of her dream, Dr. Soria-Olmos attended Texas Christian University (TCU) for a degree in biology and to fulfill the pre-medical school requirements. After graduating from TCU, she chose to stay local and attended medical school at University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. She completed part of her pediatric clerkship at Cook Children's, learning about pediatric medicine by attending rounds with pediatric hospitalists. It was then she knew she wanted to be a pediatrician.
She began her career with Cook Children's in 2014 as a pediatric hospitalist caring for sick children admitted to the hospital. Today, she works at Cook Children's primary care office in Haslet. Her special interests include child safety, child development and asthma.
