U.S. CENSUS BUREAU SETS UP ASSISTANCE CENTER AT CHICAGO FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC) has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to encourage local area residents to complete and mail their Census forms this year. The Census Bureau has set up a Census Questionnaire Assistance Center at the CFHC South Chicago clinic, 9119 S. Exchange where Census workers help patients or residents from the community fill out their forms and answer questions. The Assistance Center is set up through April 19th, Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Recently the U.S. Census Bureau said Chicago was not generating nearly as many completed Census forms as other cities. Nationally, 50 percent of households have mailed back their forms but in Chicago the rate is significantly lower, at 36 percent. According the Census Bureau, each completed form has the potential to generate up $1,200 dollars in federal funding for a wide range of human services. CFHC wants to ensure that all of its patients, who primarily reside in the South and Southeast Side of Chicago, are counted in the 2010 Census.

“An accurate Census count means our community will get its fair and equitable share of resources to meet the medical needs of the thousands of patients who come through our doors,” said Warren Brodine, CEO, Chicago Family Health Center. “The information the Census Bureau collects determines how more than $400 billion in federal funds is spent on various programs affecting health care.”

Completed forms were officially due on April 1, 2010. Any household that does not submit a completed from may get a home visit from a Census worker.