Bowling Green, Kentucky (February 12, 2024) – In observation of National 211 Day on 2-11-2024, a proclamation was issued at Bowling Green City Hall. The proclamation serves to highlight and raise awareness regarding the services of 211 which are available to all residents across the 10-county Barren River Area Development District.
Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman and Bowling Green City Mayor Todd Alcott issued an official proclamation declaring February 12, 2024, as “211 Day” in Bowling Green and Warren County. Bowling Green City Commissioners Dana Beasley-Brown and Melinda Hill, along with Warren County Deputy Judge Executive Bryan Downing, Warren County District 3 Magistrate Rick Williams, and First District Magistrate Scott Lasley, read the proclamation at Bowling Green City Hall on Monday afternoon.
Throughout 2023, 211 staff spent 23,481 minutes helping 8,843 callers. 211 continues to assist individuals throughout the 10-county region locate available resources in their area by providing 18,795 nonprofit agency referrals.
“As economic challenges continue and our region continues to grow, so do the variety of needs. We are seeing high volumes of calls and requests for help with utility, food, and housing assistance. Our 211 contact specialists are assisting those calling and texting around the clock. However, we know there are still so many individuals who may not know that 211 is available to assist them, that is why this day – and raising awareness of 211 – is so important.” Says Ellie Harbaugh, Executive Vice President of United Way of Southern Kentucky.
The Federal Communications Commission assigned 211 as a three-digit telephone number for the purpose of providing quick and easy access to information about health and human services. Here locally 211 is available by text at 898-211. Contact specialists work with callers or texters to assess their needs, determine their options and provide information and referral services that can offer assistance and/or intervene in crisis situations. The center is able to take calls and text messages 24/7/365.
Today, any Kentucky resident can talk with a compassionate contact specialist who can provide information and referrals that assist families and impact communities, one phone call at a time. In real time, callers receive service provider information concerning utilities, housing, food, transportation, clothing/ household items, support services for an aging parent, where to find help for addiction, mental health issues, and much more. 211 is the place to call when you don’t know where to go for help when you need it. Additionally, 211 also serves as a sociological barometer for service providers, funders, and other stakeholders within the community by identifying community needs. While personal identifiers of callers are kept confidential, the aggregate data that is able to be collected assists with improvements to the human services delivery system as a whole.
In honor of National 211 Day, the Southern Kentucky 211 Contact Center asks that individuals across Southern Kentucky help celebrate by spreading the word about the 211 services available in our area via social media and/or within your organizations, companies and businesses.
