BROWN ANNOUNCES HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE
BOSTON, MA State Senator Scott Brown announces today the service of 2-1-1, a toll-free, easy-to-remember phone number that offers callers important information about critical health and human services available in their community. The implementation of 2-1-1 is being lead by the United Way and specialized information and referral agencies on the state and local levels.
While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. Available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages, 2-1-1 is also an integral component of disaster-response infrastructure.
2-1-1 offers access to the following types of services:
- Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
- Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children's Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
- Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.
2-1-1 offers a notable way of connecting residents with community services, as well as significantly alleviating non-emergency calls to 9-1-1, stated Senator Brown. This is a vital and very much needed resource.
###