Kingston, February 10, 2016 – February 11 is 2-1-1 Day across North America. To mark this day, United Ways across Ontario and 211 Ontario helpline are asking residents to make the right call (#MakeTheRightCall or #211Day) if they want or need help.
Knowing the right number to call will help people find the right services for their situation and will help reduce non-urgent calls to 911.
“211 has rapidly become an essential community service across Ontario. It’s the easiest and fastest way for our community’s most vulnerable, and those who care for them, to connect to social, health and government services,” said Andrew Benson, Executive Director of Ontario 211.
211 is answered live, 24 hours a day, every day of the year including holidays, in more than 150 languages. Residents can call 2-1-1 for information on community, social and health services, as well as municipal, provincial and federally funded services like housing, employment and mental health and addiction agencies. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for services like food banks or for the non-emergency police number.
Call 211 to find any health, social or government services that serve your community.
“211 helps connect local residents with the services they need. Finding help is easy when you make the right call/ When people don’t know where to turn, 211 is there for them,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFLA.
“211 is a valuable resource for Ontarians, and for police. 211 calls are answered by highly trained specialists who know our community services and can refer callers to support near them. When residents make the right call, they help ensure 911 call takers can focus on emergency situations and help save lives”, says Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Vince Hawkes.
Residents should always call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies or crimes in progress that require police, fire or paramedic services.
About United Way
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
About 211
211 is the source Canadians trust when seeking information and services to deal with life’s challenges. 211’s award-winning telephone helpline (2-1-1) and website (www.211ontario.ca) provide a gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and related government services. 211 helps to navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages. 211 service in Ontario is made possible through the support of local United Ways, municipalities and Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Ontario 211 Services is a non-profit agency that governs 211 service in Ontario. They work in collaboration with seven Regional 211 Service Providers, and a unique network of data contributors to deliver 211 services though the phone and through online channels to all Ontario residents.
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For information or interviews contact:
Media Contacts:
Bhavana Varma, President & CEO, United Way KFL&A
613-542-2674 ext. 1101, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
Karen Milligan, Director, Partnership Development and Strategic Initiatives
613-407-5100, kmilligan@211ontario.ca
RESOURCES
Video – 211: Make the right call with 911 emergency help (Video)
Backgrounder – How is 211 different from 311, 411 and 911 (PDF)
Infographic – 211 In Ontario By the Numbers 2016 (PDF)
EXAMPLES OF NON-URGENT CALLS THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO 911:
- My car won’t start and I have to get to work…
- My neighbour is having a party and there is too much noise…
- I need the fire department to come and get my basketball out of the tree…
- I am lonely and want to hear a friendly voice…
- I need help getting my teenager to listen to me…
- I have a medical appointment and don’t have transportation to get there…
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