Tuesday, February 12, 2008

2-1-1 Call Center Status. No. 512.

What is 2-1-1?

* 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.
* 2-1-1 reaches approximately 196 million people (over 65% of the total U.S. population) in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Yet, millions of Americans still need to be connected.
* America needs 2-1-1 to be accessible nationwide. As the number of organizations providing specialized services is on the rise, people find it frustrating and confusing to access community services. 2-1-1 provides a one-stop service for vital information.
* While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:
o Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
o Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
o Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
o Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
o Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
o Volunteer opportunities and donations.

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