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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 Diane
Moore, 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 2010
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