What is 211?

Ohio AIRS through the 211 Ohio Collaborative are leading the effort to implement 211 Ohio statewide. Currently, 22 community-based information and referral organizations serving 38 Ohio counties are now fully operational 211 centers.

More than 8.6 million Ohio residents (75% of the State population) now have access to 211 services.  Ohio AIRS and the 211 Ohio Collaborative anticipate that more than 9.2 million residents (approximately 80% of the state’s population will have access to 211 by the end of the 2008 calendar year.

Although the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio had exempted wireless (cellular) phone companies from having to provide 211 dialing to their customers, the Ohio 211 Collaborative has successfully implemented cell phone access to 211.  Through a collaboration with the Indiana 211 Partnership, cell phones through companies including Sprint/Nextel, Verizon, Cingular, Cellular One, T-Mobile, and Centennial are able to dial 211 and, if there is a 211 call center in their area, access that center.  For those areas that do not have a 211 call center at this time, cell phone callers will receive a message indicating that there is no 211 coverage in their area. 

In addition, some businesses and institutions have chosen to "block" the dialing of three-digit (N11) numbers other than 9-1-1 by their employees/customers.  As a result, people dialing 211 from some businesses may not yet be able to gain access to the 211 service center.  Ohio AIRS/211 Ohio Collaborative are working to resolve these limitations as soon as feasibly possible.

211 is a simple, easy-to-remember number to call when you need help or access to human services.

It is a free 24-hour service so you get the help you need when you need it.

It will immediately forward you to the local 211 center, which will then direct your call to the appropriate agency when you need:

	Information about human service agencies
	Food and shelter providers
	Child care resources
	Special services for seniors
	Volunteer opportunities
	County and city information
	… plus much more!

What is the 211 Ohio Collaborative?

The Ohio AIRS joined the National 211 Partnership in May 1999. Since then, they have been working on the implementation of 211 in Ohio, including developing the 211 Ohio Collaborative.

The 211 Ohio Collaborative, in conjunction with Ohio AIRS, has worked with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and with state legislators on issues to ensure the success of the project.

On a regional level, the 211 Ohio partners are developing strategic plans to meet their region's unique needs for community services.

Ohio AIRS is now working to mobilize stakeholders to develop a plan to ensure 2-1-1 is available all across the state of Ohio. 

Click here for a list of members of the 211 Ohio Collaborative and information about joining.

What is the National 211 Initiative?

In 1997, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta successfully established a local 211 project. Since then, they have helped over 250,000 callers needing information about resources in their community.

United Way of America and the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) have formed a national 211 partner-ship so that this valuable ser-vice can be offered throughout the country. In May 1998, they filed a petition with the FCC to designate 211 as the universal access number for community services information.

Click here to go to the national 211 website.

Why is 211 good for Ohio?

One number to call to get information about community services: no more guessing or unnecessary calls.

	Reduces inappropriate 911 calls.
	Ensures that callers are directed to the appropriate agency.
	Reduces the frustration of making multiple calls.
	24-hour service gets you the help you need when you need it.

How can I help?

You can help us implement 211 Ohio by telling your friends and neighbors about this invaluable service and encouraging your local and state representatives to support 211 legislation.

Where can I get more information?

Contact Richard Stahl at rbstahl@infolineinc.org or 330-762-5627.