Wednesday is being recognized as 2-1-1 Day in Butler County through a proclamation of the Butler County Commissioners.
Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel is an advocate of the program, which is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service provided by the United Way.
“We have recognized 211 as the county’s information referral system,” Boozel said. “The county is looking at this and putting their logo on the 211 cards so that when police, fire, and EMS are on calls and it goes beyond what the emergency services would do, they would be able to hand these cards out to families and individuals that may need extensive services beyond what they can do.”
Data shows more than 11,000 people in Butler County turned to 2-1-1 for help in 2016. By calling 2-1-1, you can be connected to a variety of services, including information on basic needs- like heating and utility assistance- to how to locate job training, or how to schedule free tax filing.
A new agreement between 211 and 911 allows for a partnership beneficial to both services.
“211 has an agreement with the 911 system so that in the event of an emergency, 911 can use the 211 system and refer people over there that are non-emergency calls,” Boozel said.
The 2-1-1 program is a national program. It was launched by United Way in Atlanta over 20 years ago. Butler County became part of the national program in 2011.
Photo: The Butler County Commissioners are joined by representatives from the United Way, Peoples Gas and UPMC during Wednesday’s commissioners meeting.
