Library to host 2-1-1 info program

By Gina Greco

An informational program on the new 2-1-1 call service that is available to residents of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at the Old Forge Library.

Residents are able to use a simple three-digit phone number—2-1-1—to access the latest information about health and human service needs.

Where the 9-1-1 number is for reporting emergencies, 2-1-1 is intended to connect citizens with useful services. 

These services exclude the ambulance, emergency medical, and law enforcement services handled by 9-1-1, according to Town of Webb Police Chief Ron Johnston.

Operators receiving the calls are accredited, skilled professionals. They assess callers’ needs and help guide them to agencies that might assist.

Additionally, 2-1-1 is intended to serve as a lifeline during public health emergencies and times of disaster.

Operators will be able to direct callers to disaster-related needs, such as shelters, food, water, and recovery programs.

Basic Needs information will be available for survival level resources, including food, housing, material goods, transportation and temporary financial assistance for individuals with low or fixed incomes.

Other programs relate to Environmental Quality, Health Care, Income Support and Employment, Individual and Family Life, and Mental Health and Counseling.

The confidential, free service is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

All are invited; registration is not required. More information is available by calling the library at (315) 369-6008.

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