Newer 2-1-1 systems aren't as universal as 9-1-1 systems, but they are gaining importance and popularity in Michigan as a resource for social services information.
The system for the Tri-Cities area,
2-1-1 Northeast Michigan, took an important step forward this month, when it completed the accreditation process to become part of the nationwide Alliance of Information and Referral Systems.
"2-1-1's participation in the accreditation process shows its commitment to advancing information and referral as a vital means of bringing people and services together," says Robert McKown, of the AIRS Accreditation Commission.
2-1-1 Northeast Michigan provides information and referrals by trained operators who assess callers' needs and refer them to appropriate local resources for assistance with a wide range of services.
Some of those resources include covering basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, or help with utility bills, but physical and mental health services also are among the 2-1-1 resources, including crisis intervention and information on support groups and counseling. Employment resources include unemployment, financial assistance and job training information.
Other resources 2-1-1 can help mid-Michigan residents connect with include support for the elderly and disabled, like home health care and Meals on Wheels; support for kids and families, like child care, after school and summer programs, or tutoring; and even crisis services like suicide hotlines, domestic violence hotlines, and public health emergency information.
The company served 11,000 callers in Midland, Gladwin, Clare, Isabella and Gratiot counties in 2010, and is expanding to 17 additional northeast and Thumb region counties this year.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Robert McKown, Alliance of Information and Referral Systems Accreditation Commission
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