United Way in the News

Area officials launch 2-1-1 call-in system  

Article published on February 15, 2007
By DIANE CHUN
Sun staff writer             

Not every emergency call is for an ambulance or a police car.             That’s why lawmakers hope social service providers some day will be as easy to contact as the local police or fire services.            

In North Central Florida, that’s already the case, and on Wednesday area officials took the opportunity to officially launce the 2-1-1 call-in system.            

Just as dialing 9-1-1 reaches emergency responders, 2-1-1 connects callers with referrals to community-based social services.            

The service was launched by United Way of North Central Florida one year ago, according to United Way spokeswoman Mindy Underberger.  Since then, the agency has fielded more than 35,000 calls for assistance -- or in many cases, offers to volunteer.            

The system offers a quick link to emergency food and shelter, substance abuse treatment and mental health care, among other services.  It is, as Underberger explained, a cost-effective answer to help those in need navigate a complex maze of service agencies and programs.            

Because those 35,000 calls are not going to 9-1-1, she said, the service hot line is a money-saving program for the area, and one that prevents duplication of services.            

On Tuesday, supporters of federal legislation that would fund 2-1-1 service nationwide gathered in Washington to promote the bill that would expand the program, which now operates in parts of 41 states.            

“We’ve been working on this for some time, and we’re going to get it done,” said Se. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. Clinton and Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., are cosponsors of the “Calling for 2-1-1 Act.”            

The bill would provide $150 million in matching grants to set up new 2-1-1 programs in each of the first two years, then $100 million for the next four.