2-1-1 for Southeast Colorado is an important free and confidential service for residents of Southeast Colorado ‘who need help’ or ‘who want to help’. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number that anyone can call to reach a person trained to help them assess their needs and put them in touch with the community services available to meet those needs.  They also provide help through the sometimes complex maze of community service agencies and government programs.  In addition, it reduces calls to inappropriate agencies and organizations, helping them save time and money, while preventing caller frustration and congestion on 9-1-1.  By dialing 2-1-1 they can also find opportunities to volunteer or make donations.   The 2-1-1 for Southeast Colorado region covers 11 counties, with a population over 275,000.  It serves Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo Counties. The Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA) in Pueblo is providing this phone service, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Program Director is Pat Gash, who can be reached by phone at: 211 or 719-583-6611; or 800-762-6169; or by e-mail at 211@srda.org . Our long-term goal is to ensure that everyone in the 11 counties has easy access to the 2-1-1 phone number and an online database of comprehensive local health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 service also allows for support of emergency relief.  Nationally it has been important in efforts related to natural disasters.  Locally it is part of the Pandemic Flu planning process, and has played roles in relief efforts related to the winter snow storms and the Holly tornado. Funding and support for this service in our region is being provided by a number of state, regional and local governments, foundations, organizations and individuals. Every County is represented on the 2-1-1 for Southeast Colorado Council, which provides guidance for this service.  January 2008