2-1-1 is Now Available in Ottawa County

December 16, 2003 - Three digits is now all it takes in Ottawa County to find the right health and human service organization. 2-1-1 of Ottawa County, formerly First Call of Ottawa County, has simplified the ten-digit toll-free number to the three-digit 2-1-1 phone number. 2-1-1 connects people to health and human service programs, and is now available to all Ottawa County residents. Ottawa County is the fourth county in Michigan to implement the easy-to-dial 2-1-1 phone number.

In 2000, the Federal Communications Commission designated 2-1-1 as the universal number for information and referral to social services. The service is free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The caller connects to a trained call specialist, who then refers him or her to the service(s) that will address his or her needs. Individuals interested in giving help would also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer and donation opportunities. 2-1-1 of Ottawa County has a current database of over 2,000 resources and services.

“The launching of 2-1-1 is a major milestone for Ottawa County,” says Loren Snippe, Director, Ottawa County Family Independence Agency. “2-1-1 of Ottawa County will continue being the health and human service referral system that ensures the accurate dissemination of information about our many resources striving for the right referral the first time.2-1-1 of Ottawa County will greatly assist the recipients of FIA and other services to make informed choices about improving the quality of their life.”

The service is available to all Ottawa County residents and employers. 2-1-1 of Ottawa County links individuals, families, seniors and those with disabilities to health and human services such as counseling, rent/utility assistance, senior services and volunteer opportunities. It also provides links to substance abuse counseling, job training, adult day care services and more.

“I needed help with affording my medication until my Medicare went into effect and First Call/2-1-1 pointed me to the services that could help me,” says Carol Cook, First Call of Ottawa County/2-1-1 service recipient. “It reduced my frustration and was such a relief to know that there was help out there for me. Moving to the three-digit 2-1-1 number is only going to make getting help even easier.”

So far in 2003, First Call of Ottawa County, now 2-1-1 of Ottawa County, assisted over 4,200 callers. 2-1-1 officials say the number of calls is expected to double in 2004 because of the increased awareness and ease of dialing 2-1-1 of Ottawa County.

Funding for 2-1-1 of Ottawa County is being provided in large part thanks to the generosity of the following organizations: Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Holland/Zeeland Area Community Foundation, JSJ Corporation, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Strong Families/Safe Children, Shape Corporation and SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect).

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