Source: Ellwood City Ledger
February 9, 2017
By Louise Carroll
NEW CASTLE -- Saturday is the official Pennsylvania 211 day, celebrating the United Way's help-line services to residents of Pennsylvania.
The easy-to-remember three-digit telephone number was assigned by the Federal Communications Commission for the purpose of providing quick and easy access to information about health and human services.
The 211 number is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects 85 percent of Pennsylvanians with health and human services agencies. Residents in need of help or information can call 211 or text TXT211 to reach a 211 specialist. In 2016, the service received 810 calls, which included text, chat and website messages from people in Lawrence County.
Gayle M. Young, executive director of the United Way of Lawrence County, is encouraging people to use the service.
"People reached out to 211 to find information on basic needs, like heating or utility assistance, elder care or to find the closest food bank. They also called for everyday information like where to take their child for developmental screening or how to locate job training or schedule free tax filing support," Young said.
Young said the service has helped a number of people, including an employee who was having dental issues and his company did not provide dental insurance. The company's human resources director gave him the 211 number. He called the number and received information on free dental services and was able to get dental care at no charge.
"A single mother, with breast cancer, called 211 because she could not pay her rent. She was given information for several charities and churches in the area and not only received financial assistance locally, but qualified for out-of-state assistance as well. These are just a few examples of residents who contacted 211 and received help," Young said.
A vast amount of information is available through the service, including health and mental health resources, health insurance programs, support for older Americans and people with disabilities, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services and support for children, youth and families.
Since 2013, the United Way of Lawrence County and the Lawrence County Commissioners have been providing referral services. They became a part of the national program after it was started by United Way in Atlanta more than 20 years ago.
211 is currently available to 93.4 percent of residents in the United States.