Washington Information Network 2-1-1 Press ReleasesWashington Information Network 2-1-1 LaunchWith service that began on February 22, many Washington residents now have a new number to call for non-emergency social services – 2-1-1 .Dialing 2-1-1 will now connect nearly 60 percent of the state’s population to trained information and referral specialists who can help them determine the service they need and serve as a vital “front door” to essential community resources. Every hour of every day, someone needs health and human services - from finding rent assistance to an after-school program to securing adequate care for a child or help for an aging parent. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies, services and help-lines, people often don't know where to turn. “In many cases, people end up going without necessary services because they do not know where to start. The 2-1-1 number makes it much easier for people to get help when they need it,” said Marilyn Mason-Plunkett, CEO of People For People, operators of the new regional 2-1-1 service. “2-1-1 also connects people looking to offer help with volunteer opportunities in their community.” This easy-to-use phone number is now available in 12 counties through four call centers:
With the launch of Washington’s 2-1-1 system, 50% of the US population now have access to 2-1-1 service. “While service in Washington is still limited, we’re working to expand resources and enhance the system statewide,” Mason-Plunkett said. “We’re confident that 2-1-1 will quickly demonstrate its value and help us reach that goal.” New 2-1-1 Phone Number Makes Connecting To Community Services EasyThe 2-1-1 system represents a public-private partnership, with ongoing financial support from United Ways, city and county governments, existing crisis line providers, private foundations, service organizations and businesses.Washington State 2-1-1 supporters are currently seeking additional funding from the state legislature to expand the coverage area and hours of operations at some of the call centers, as well as bring the other four call centers on line. (See below for specific information about your local call center.) By 2007, it is anticipated that a network of eight call centers will serve all Washington state residents, using a comprehensive shared database. “Connecting the whole state is a critical component because of the key role 2-1-1 can play following a disaster”, said Tom Page, executive director of Washington Information Network (WIN 211) . “2-1-1 does not replace 911. If it’s a life-threatening emergency, the house is on fire, or there’s a crime being committed, people should always call 911,” Page said. “But 2-1-1 has already demonstrated its value to relieve the burden on communities responding to the tremendous needs that arise during a disaster.” During Hurricane Charley, one Florida county 2-1-1 system handled some 60,000 calls in the week following the disaster that might otherwise have been handled by 9-1-1 operators. After Hurricane Katrina, more than 267,000 calls came into Texas’ statewide 2-1-1 system from evacuees seeking assistance with relocation. 2-1-1 continues to be used to coordinate services and help for people displaced by Katrina. During day-to-day live, the simplicity of the 2-1-1 number helps more people access services than the older 10-digit lines. Calls to the information line have increased by as much 40 percent in the first year of use, said Jeri Shumate, Executive Director of 211info , which administers the program in northwest Oregon and parts of southwest Washington. Similar projections have been made for call centers in Washington, noted Page. “No one should go without help simply because they don’t know where to turn.” The Greater Columbia 2-1-1 Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Messages can be left after hours and will be returned the following business day. In the event of a life-threatening emergency or a crime in progress, callers should always hang up and call 911. In Yakima County, the 2-1-1 service is powered by the United Way Foundation of Yakima County. Special thanks to them, as well as our many other contributing partners. |