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United Ways of New Hampshire Proudly Launches 2-1-1
A Statewide Initiative Providing Easy Access to Health and Human Services
Concord, NH: United Ways of New Hampshire (UWNH) is proud to announce the
launch of 2-1-1 NH, a statewide initiative and easy to remember
phone number that will connect people in need of health and
human services. UWNH, comprised of all 10 New Hampshire-based
United Ways have all identified access to
health services as a priority need in their communities. These
United Ways have collaborated with one another to develop a
system with one centralized call center and a web-based
statewide database of resources.
"2-1-1 NH is the most successful statewide project to date
initiated by all ten United Ways," said Elizabeth Hager,
Executive Director of United Way of Merrimack County. "We have
secured a wonderful partnership with Public Service of New
Hampshire (PSNH) to provide in-kind services of space, utilities
and technology. Without the gracious support of PSNH and other
corporate partners, this much needed effort would not be
possible."
The 2-1-1 call center is located at PSNH's own call center.
"When
the NH United Ways approached us about the 211 concept, we
recognized that we could share our technical infrastructure and
expertise and by doing so help meet the vital needs of New
Hampshire citizens," noted Gary Long, PSNH president and chief
operating officer. "The New Hampshire 211 project is a great
example of what can be accomplished when organizations around
the state with different strengths and resources come together
in support of a common goal."
The 2-1-1 NH System is an important tool that will help keep all
the citizens of New Hampshire informed about essential services
available to them," said Governor John Lynch. "I would like to
thank all 10 of New Hampshire's United Ways, the corporations,
foundations, service providers and volunteers who helped make
2-1-1 NH available to every citizen of New Hampshire."
UWNH Launches 2-1-1
By dialing
2-1-1, New Hampshire residents will be connected with a trained
information and referral specialist who can provide them with
the information they need to get help or give help. For the
first time, citizens will have access to resources throughout
New Hampshire simply by dialing 2-1-1 and at no cost to the
caller. 2-1-1 exists in 44 states in the U.S. Additional
funding for 2-1-1 NH is provided by United Ways of New
Hampshire, the State of NH, Citizens Bank Foundation, the New
Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Exeter Hospital. With
support from the Endowment for Health and under the volunteer
leadership of Major General Joseph Simeone (ret.), the United
Ways engaged health and human service care providers, the five
comprehensive Information and Referral providers and technical
experts until they arrived at a unique public/private/nonprofit
model for 2-1-1. This will provide New Hampshire residents with
the most effective, most efficient delivery of comprehensive
information and referral services. As of June 11, 2008, people
in New Hampshire can access a vast network of health and human
service organizations simply by dialing 2-1-1. "Every
hour of every day, someone in this state needs essential
services, from finding an after-school program to securing
housing assistance," said Major General Joseph Simeone (ret.)
"In many cases people end up going without these necessary and
readily available services because they do not know where to
start. 2-1-1 NH now gives them the opportunity to get the help
and services they need."
Citizens Bank
Foundation is proud to support the implementation of 2-1-1 NH,
"At Citizens, we recognize that matching people in need with
organizations that can help them is critically important to the
strength of our communities," said Cathleen A. Schmidt,
president, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire. "Just as importantly we
are pleased to assist the United Ways in a statewide
collaboration. As a statewide bank, we share the United Way's
belief that we can improve lives by bringing together the caring
power of communities."
"Exeter
Hospital's commitment to supporting 2-1-1 stems from our mission
to improve the health of the community by providing both
services and information to our residents," said Kevin Callahan,
president and chief executive officer of Exeter Hospital. "2-1-1
will connect people across New Hampshire with the services that
can help them and their families stay healthy while providing an
unparalleled resource to individuals at times of personal
crisis."
"My family has
always been a supporter of our local United Way, never did I
think I would find myself using the services they offered," said
William St.Onge, 2-1-1 caller. "My daughter and her husband are
in the military, so my wife and I care for our 10 year old
grandson. We needed assistance in finding an affordable, safe
summer program, among other services. Having access to resources
in one central location is very helpful especially in a time of
uncertainty. The 2-1-1 specialists are trained professionals, who are courteous and
respectful of your situation. 2-1-1 NH is a powerful resource."
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