2-1-1
Is Here To Help


 

On April 1st, Oklahomans in the North Central part of the state get access to a valuable service called 2-1-1.  It's a three digit phone number you call "when you don't know who to call" for health and human services information, much like you call 9-1-1 to get information in an emergency.  

 

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that keeps people from making 6 to 8 calls to find information from government agencies, non-profits or faith-based groups.  It makes better use of tax-dollars by getting citizens to existing services and makes those services more efficient by getting the right calls to the right agencies so workers don't spend time trying to refer callers outside their area of expertise.  2-1-1 helps   9-1-1 operators by taking non-emergency calls so first responders are available for emergencies.  During the recent ice storms, 2-1-1, working with their Emergency Management offices, coordinated shelters and other emergency services so citizens got needed help and unmet needs were identified quickly.

 

Garfield, Grant, Kay, Noble, Pawnee, Payne, and the western part of Osage Counties will be served by North Central Oklahoma 2-1-1.  United Way’s in Enid, Ponca City and Stillwater formed a collaborative with the Community Development Support Association (CDSA) in Enid, a long-time information and referral service to develop 2-1-1 services for the area.  CDSA, with 25 years experience in running a Helpline and providing support in areas from childcare to housing to employment, serves as the lead agency for North Central Oklahoma 2-1-1.   

 

2-1-1 calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by trained call specialists.  The call specialists have access to translators for 150 different languages and a computer database that includes local, state, regional and national contacts.  Within three to six minutes, the 2-1-1 operator can offer callers multiple referrals plus information on eligibility and required documentation.  Northwestern Oklahoma 2-1-1, serving the Panhandle, also goes LIVE on April 1, completing 2-1-1 service throughout the state.

 

2-1-1 will work with all three area codes and the many phone companies in the seven county North Central area.  Even cell phones will be able to access the service as each individual provider from Sprint to AT&T completes re-programming.  If calling doesn’t seem to work on your phone, call 580.242.6131 to report the technical problem.

 

Businesses-- particularly hotels-- need to be aware of an internal action that could be necessary to make sure guests -- such as someone who's been burned out in a fire or visiting an elderly relative -- or employees can access 2-1-1.   Most PBX telephone systems will require "2-1-1" to be enabled as a three digit number by the office manager or technical support staff.  It's easy to tell if you need to do this.  Call 2-1-1 and if you hear a fast busy signal, you may need to "enable" 2-1-1 or instruct users to dial "9" first or both. 

 

2-1-1 nationwide is a partner of United Way and additional information regarding North Central Oklahoma 2-1-1 can be obtained by calling CDSA at 580-242-6131 or calling the United Way of Ponca City at 580-765-2476.  Flyers and civic club or business presentations are available upon request.