For many people
211
was unheard of, or if they were aware, they had not utilized it or were unsure as to just what purpose it served. That has changed since the US spread of the virus. In Western New York calls to 211 doubled in the last 3 weeks over the same period last year, but the center was able to maintain. In Northern New York there have been more calls to 211 in the last 3 weeks than there were in all of 2019.
So why are people calling 211?
In this crisis, it depends upon the week. Initially, callers asking how they could get tested, questions about symptoms, and how to get food if they were unable to go out due to age, disabilities or being immunocompromised. Then came the calls from people who suddenly lost their job and didn’t know how they were going to pay bills. Now the majority of the calls are about food concerns, unemployment and stimulus.
Why is it important for government leaders and emergency managers to educate their communities about what 211 does?
Because in these times of crisis, when people don’t know where to get help for non-emergency needs, we don’t want them calling 911.
Many of the challenging outcomes that are, or will, come about because of the virus can be addressed by 211
. This includes, but is not limited to, food, shelter, clothing, employment, mental health, developmental and other disabilities, and utilities.
What 211 wants you to know TODAY is the following;
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211 is available 24/7 across all of New York, New Jersey and Washington. We do not have the list of each state so best to call during regular business hours to ensure you can get a question answered in your region.
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94% of the US population has a 211 center serving their community, see the attached map.
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211 has staff ready to answer calls, listen to concerns, and help people problem-solve.
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211 has the most up to date resources on non-profit and government programs currently available to support your community.
NEW RESOURCES
:
- COVID-19 Communication Card; two versions attached
- Accessible Public Service Announcements FACT SHEET
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) FREE services-see the attachment for details
- 211 USA coverage map
Please let us know how we can help you.
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Upcoming Training Information
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March 16th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Amherst, NY, Safety Awareness for Individuals with Disabilities and Families
- Click Here to Register
March 17th & 18th, 2020-CANCELLED
- Steuben County, NY Law Enforcement Disability Awareness Training Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
March 24th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Amherst, NY, Disability Education& Awareness for Municipalities
- Click Here to Apply to take the training
March 25th & 26th, 2020-CANCELLED
- Seneca County, NY Law Enforcement Disability Awareness Training Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
March 31st, 2020-POSTPONED
- Amherst, NY, Firefighter/EMS Disability Awareness Training
- Click Here to Register
March 31st, 2020-POSTPONED
- Amherst, NY, Safety Awareness for Individuals with Disabilities and Families
- Click Here to Register
April 22nd & 23rd, 2020-POSTPONED
- Pennington,South Dakota, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Disability Awareness Training Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
April 27th & 28th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Lee's Summit,Missouri, Law Enforcement Disability Awareness Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
April 29th & 30th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Lee's Summit,Missouri, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Disability Awareness Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
April 29th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Lee's Summit,Missouri, Safety Awareness for Individuals with Disabilities and Families
- Click Here to Register
May 10-13,2020 CANCELLED
- National ADA Symposium, Kansas City, MO
June 22nd & 23rd, 2020-POSTPONED
- Pierre, South Dakota, Law Enforcement Disability Awareness Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
June 24th & 25th, 2020-POSTPONED
- Pierre, South Dakota, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Disability Awareness Train the Trainer
- Click Here to Register
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Niagara University First Responders Disability Awareness Training | 716-286-8139 | 716-286-8079 |
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