This has been popping up on the news over the last day or two, and I received an email about it too: the new Central Oregon 2-1-1 phone service that offers non-emergency help and information. From the press release:

What is 2-1-1?

• An easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers to the health and human services, community resources, and government assistance they need.
• Available 8:00am-8:00pm, Mon.–Fri.
• Easily accessed by any landline or cell phone.
• Calls are free and confidential.
• Multi-lingual translation
• Trained & certified Call Specialists

Where is 2-1-1 Available?

• CO 2-1-1 covers all of Crook, Deschutes & Jefferson Counties
• Central Oregon is first region in Oregon outside of the Portland metro area with 2-1-1
• 80% of the U.S. population has access to 2-1-1

What types of questions can be answered by 2-1-1 Call Specialists?

• Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, shelters, rent & utility assistance.
• Support for Seniors: Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, mentoring
• Health Resources: health clinics, support groups, counseling, drug & alcohol treatment
• Employment Supports: job training, transportation assistance, and education programs.

It’s kind of surprising that 80% of the U.S. has access to such a service, yet Central Oregon didn’t until now.

(Disclaimer: I worked on the website splash page as part of my current job.)