Helpline celebrates 100,000th call

To the Editor:

2-1-1 Helpline logged its 100,000th call a few weeks ago - a somewhat symbolic number since it does not include the entire history of Helpline from its founding in 1984. We were pleased, nonetheless, to note it as an accomplishment - helping people in our communities find the services they need, many of whom are asking for help for the first time. Since launching 2-1-1 service last fall we have provided referrals for a wider range of needs from an ever-increasing number of callers.

2-1-1 service is now available to most New Yorkers - anyone in this region can call 2-1-1 and talk with a resource specialist who can help find services, including alcohol treatment, elder care, youth programs, financial counseling, or job search resources, among others. Much of our work involves collecting and organizing information about health & human services programs, so that we may make appropriate referrals based on callers' needs.

State funding was cut by 92% for the current fiscal year. In spite of this, 2-1-1 programs are continuing to operate, providing efficient access to communitybased agencies. The state's investment in 2-1-1 has made it easier for most New Yorkers to find services that are even more critical as we face a tough economy, high prices for gas and food and other challenges.

The NYS Local Government Efficiency& CompetitivenessCommission's Final Report identifies the "2-1-1 Community Service Referral System (seeking to establish a unified community service information and referral system)" as a current initiative. Without continued investment by the state, these efficiencies will be lost and our attempts to expand the service to all of New York will not be successful.

It's important to note that numerous regional information and referral services, such as Helpline, have been in place for many years. Implementation of 2-1- 1 access has been made possible by partial state funding. Local support makes up the difference - reinforcing the argument that this is truly a communitybased service. Each organization in the 2-1-1 system has developed a sophisticated knowledge base of their community's needs and resources, along with the tools to make that information available to those who need it.

We hope that Governor Paterson and our state representatives restore funding to this important service. Those 100,000 callers (and thousands of others across the state) need help finding services; with one call to 2-1-1 we can provide that help.
Carol W. Wood
Bath
The writer serves as director of 2-1-Helpline.