2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services. This statewide information, referral, and crisis management service is FREE and operator-serviced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In February 2004, Mental Health America of North Dakota (MHAND) (formerly known as Mental Health Association in North Dakota) started providing the 2-1-1 service in North Dakota. The 2-1-1 ND program is funded by memberships, donations, grants, and various United Way agencies throughout the state. Examples of the types of assistance we provide are:

• Basic human needs resources
• Physical and mental health provider referrals
• Services for older Americans and people with disabilities
• Community program resources
• Emergency service provider referals
• Crisis management services, including suicide intervention, domestic violence, supportive listening, etc…

What is in the 2-1-1 ND database?
This database is a comprehensive listing of community resources across North Dakota and western Minnesota. The database provides 24-hour access to information on providers of basic services such as housing, food, health, and other human services. Programs included are city, county, state, or federal governments programs, as well as programs operated by nonprofit organizations or community groups. Each listing provides general information which may include its location, phone number, services offered, application procedure, hours, fees, and area served. Just like our 2-1-1 call line, this online database is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How do I use the 2-1-1 ND database?
When you use a phone book, you look under a word or words that name the service you want. The 2-1-1 ND database works the same way. You can search for resources using keywords such as agriculture, fuel assistance, shelter, etc. In the box on the left, select the region in which you would like to search. Your choices are by city, zip code, county, or all of these. Next, in the box on the right, select the type of service you are searching for by highlighting it. If you want to select more than one service, hold down the Ctrl key and highlight the selections. To unselect a service, just click on it again. You can also do an advanced search using various information, such as when you know the partial name of an organization. Also, if you want to translate the web site information to another language, simply click on Translate. If you would like someone to come to your organization to give a training session, contact 2-1-1.

How is the data maintained?
This data is maintained according to the standards of the national Association of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) http://www.airs.org/. Data is updated on an ongoing basis and follow-up by a database resource specialist helps ensure accuracy. Corrections or changes about organizations and programs currently listed in the database are appreciated. If you need to update your information, begin by doing a search for your listing. Once you have found your listing, double-click on your business name, and you will be taken to a new screen with detailed information. On the bottom of that screen, click on Update Information, make your edits, then hit Submit. A database resource specialist will then call you to verify the edits you requested prior to changing the online database. If you are interested in having your organization, program, or service listed in the database, please fill out the Registry Form. This form must be filled out completely in order to be considered. For sections that do not apply, please fill in "NA" and a reason, if appropriate. Once we receive your form, a database resource specialist will then call you to verify the inclusion of your information in the online database.

The 2-1-1 ND database is provided as a public service. Information included in the database is provided voluntarily by the organizations listed. Inclusion of an organization does not imply endorsement of its services, nor does exclusion reflect on any organization's contribution to the community. View Inclusion/Exclusion Policy.

We are committed to providing quality, professional services to the public. As part of that commitment, we plan to apply for accreditation from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). This nationally-recognized professional association has developed a stringent set of standards which must be followed in order to achieve accreditation.

Program Quality Policy: Giving accurate referrals is of the utmost importance to us. Organizations/programs entered into our database must update with the 2-1-1 ND Database staff annually, EVEN IF THE INFORMATION HAS NOT CHANGED. Only one reminder letter will be sent out. If no reply is received within one month after this reminder is sent, the organization/program may be deleted from the database.

Sharon Brennise
2-1-1 ND Director
Kristen Buchholz
2-1-1 ND Database Resource Specialist

Mental Health America of North Dakota
PO Box 4106, Bismarck, ND 58502-4106
Phone: (701)255-3692, 2-1-1, or (800)472-2911
Fax: 701-255-2411