2-1-1 Provides Easy Access to Health and Human Services
2-1-1 is a universally recognizable number that makes it easy to remember where to call to find out about and link to community-based organizations and government agencies that provide health and human services.
This innovative, powerful movement is changing the face of health and human services in America and Michigan and gaining with every day that passes since it first became available in the year 2000. Currently, 2 -1-1 serves approximately 198 million Americans - about 65% of the US population. By the end of 2008, 80% of the population is expected to have 2-1-1 access.
In Michigan, 2-1-1 is currently active in Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, VanBuren, and Wayne Counties and across the Upper Peninsula, serving over 70% of Michigan’s population.
What is I&R?
Information and referral services are the community link between people in need of health and human services assistance and the appropriate providers of such services.
I & R providers across Michigan help link thousands of callers with services each year.
I&R specialists assess callers' needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problems or crises. Additionally, I& R specialists are trained to determine whether a caller may be eligible for other services in the community. I & R providers maintain comprehensive databases of resources, including federal, state and local government agencies, community-based organizations, and private non-profits.
What are the Benefits of 2-1-1?
Individuals and families often find it difficult to navigate the complex maze of agencies and programs available to them. 2-1-1 makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
An easy to remember phone number increases the awareness of where to begin when consumers are not sure where to obtain health and human services. Data from existing call centers indicate that call volumes increase an average of 60% when the call center switches from an 800 toll free I&R number to 2-1-1. People in our region who need help will be much more likely to receive it, improving the quality of life, reducing poverty and increasing people’s access to health care.
2-1-1 establishes a community information access tool in times of crisis. 2-1-1 is especially proving its value as a resource for the Gulf Coast families hit by the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. People affected have called 2-1-1 to find out about loved ones and get connected with shelter and services, as well as inquire about how they can find new jobs. As the gulf coast rebuilds, 2-1-1 will continue to be there during the long term, as those affected seek to rebuild their lives and communities.
Our scarce resources are used more efficiently. Duplication of cost in maintaining community resource data is eliminated. The centrally managed database saves precious time for human service professionals; time they can be using to help clients. 2-1-1 service provides an initial screening mechanism so people who don’t qualify for services will not make unnecessary and frustrating contact with agencies that cannot help them. Data from 2-1-1call centers provides valuable information about unmet needs, focusing health and human service planning efforts where we need them the most.
Who is leading the development of 2-1-1 in Michigan?
Michigan 2-1-1, a 501 (c) (3) organization was established to lead us in attaining statewide 2-1-1 coverage through quality, cost effective regional delivery and sustainability of the 2-1-1 system through partnership with the State of Michigan. Michigan 2-1-1’s business plan can be viewed on the Michigan Association of United Ways’ web site: http://www.uwmich.org/membership/211_fr.htm
What is happening to bring 2-1-1 to Northern Michigan?
The Northwest Michigan 2-1-1 Alliance is leading the effort to bring 2-1-1 to Northern Michigan communities. Collaborators on the project include: The Region Seven Disaster Preparedness Project, The Poverty Reduction Initiative, The Antrim County Community Collaborative, The Benzie County Human Services Collaborating Body, The Grand Traverse Community Collaborative, The Kalkaska County Community Collaborative, and the Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council.
A resource directory fully populated with health and human service information in Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties is available on the internet! Check out the resource directory at: http://www.rtmdesigns.net/thirdlevel/
Find out more about 2-1-1 and its implementation in Michigan at the Michigan Association of United Ways 2-1-1 resource web site
If you would like to be involved in bringing 2-1-1 to Northern Michigan, contact Mickie Jannazzo @ (231) 922-4802.
