Story Published:
Nov 13, 2007 at 6:30 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 13, 2007 at 6:16 PM CDT
SPRINGFIELD -- Almost everyone knows you call 911 for help in emergencies. Now there's 211 for a different kind of help.
The United Way of the Ozarks unveiled the 211 program on Tuesday. It's a number you can use to get quick access to different health and human services.
Using the number -- can get you in touch with services like food banks, shelters, even employment help. You can also get answers to your questions about Medicaid and Medicare.
The service is available in 27 counties in southwest Missouri and, so far, 150 agencies are participating. The 211 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week but it doesn't work on every phone.
“It is available on a hard line. It is not available now on your cell phone. Now there's a separate number you can reach for that. But they can't tell where you are if you call on a cell phone,” said John Rush, president and chief executive officer of United Way of the Ozarks.
The 211 service is available to AT&T and CenturyTel customers. Other phone companies will be linked in 211 by next spring.
