For Immediate Release
October 30, 2007
Contact:
Elaine Genasci, Marketing & Development Coordinator
(805) 544-6016
elaine@slohotline.org
H211 SLO Hotline
Proactive Toward Community Safety
211-San Diego providing vital assistance to fire victims
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – When the fires in Southern California were at their peak, residents reached out to get help and 211 call centers in the Southland worked together to manage the need for information. 211 San Diego received 25,000 per day. The Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside County call centers also received thousands of calls. 211 provided information about evacuation routes, temporary shelter or the need for food and clothing, leaving 911 lines available for life-threatening emergencies.
The role for 211 in a disaster recently became clear. As the fire and evacuation related calls subside, recovery will begin and continue for a long time. “The value 211 brings on a daily basis is improved access to services. 211 is an easy to remember three-digit dialing code and offers a comprehensive, current database of health and social services and the caring expertise to help a caller select appropriate resources,” said Linda McGregor, 211 SLO Hotline’s Executive Director. Hotline is moving forward to incorporate their current crisis and information line into the 211 network and plans to have 211 available in San Luis Obispo County by the end of 2007.
“It’s an incredible tool and we understand the importance of having 211 established in the area before disaster strikes,” said Hotline Board President Tim Williams. Legislation to help fund 211 could take several years and Hotline is not waiting. The non-profit has worked toward their goal with the help of generous donors throughout the community. Hotline now receives 200-300 calls per week and that number is expected to at least double as people become aware of the benefits of 211.
Hotline requires additional resources to make 211 a reality for San Luis Obispo County. “Testing of the new technology is happening now,” Williams said. Contributions and additional volunteers are needed to handle the call increases. “Both are needed now so we can be prepared and not just reactive”.
Hotline has served the county for nearly 40 years and will continue to provide the same service to the community when the telephone number is changed and the call center is added to the 211 network. Hotline remains the only free service of its kind in the area providing information and referral, support and crisis intervention. 211 SLO Hotline serves as a 24-hour, information hub providing easy access to more than 500 health and human service programs, support groups, and round-the-clock confidential connections to caring, compassionate listeners.
Key facts
- Seven 211 Call Centers help take thousands of calls during recent firestorms
- 25,000 calls per day in San Diego alone
- 211 leaves 911 free for critical emergencies / other agency’s staff free to assist
- The 211 system’s web-based technology re-routes calls to a 211 center out of the firestorm area
- SLO Hotline preparing for 211 service in 2007
- Community help needed to fund technology upgrades
- Volunteers needed to staff Hotline – significant increase expected
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