For Immediate Release
September 13, 2006
Contact:
Evan Mendelson
805-544-6016
hotline@slohotline.org
www.slohotline.org
Mid-State
Bank & Trust Initiates 2-1-1 Sponsors Campaign:
Contributes $25,000 to Hotline of San Luis Obispo County
Mid-State Bank & Trust has donated $25,000 to Hotline of San Luis Obispo County to jump-start the county’s acquisition of the use of 2-1-1 for social service information and referral.
2-1-1 is the easy-to-remember phone number that connects people to the health and human services they need, whether it is finding childcare, counseling or senior resources 24 hours every day. It is especially important in disaster situations, providing a reliable way to communicate critical information to the public and coordinate up-to-the-minute access to needed services.
“Mid-State Bank & Trust has been a long-time supporter of Hotline, and we believe that 2-1-1 will greatly increase Hotline’s ability to serve the community,” said Jim Lokey, the bank’s CEO.
The grant from Mid-State Bank & Trust and its foundation will fund start-up expenses for the project, including $12,500 earmarked for the marketing of 2-1-1 when it is launched in 2007.
Hotline is currently preparing its application to the CPUC for approval to provide the 2-1-1 service. The Founding Sponsors Campaign will fund the necessary upgrades in equipment and staffing required by the CPUC.
Today, 192 active 2-1-1 systems cover all or part of 39 states -– over 57% of the US population. In California, seven California counties, covering over 50% of the state’s population, are 211 accessible and another seven have been approved by the CPUC for implementation in the next year.
While preparing for the next stage, Hotline continues to offer free and confidential information, referral, support and crisis intervention to the residents of San Luis Obispo County through their current phone number: 549-8989 or toll free, (800) 549-8989.
For more information about Hotline or 2-1-1, please contact Evan Mendelson, 544-6016.
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