Florida 2-1-1 Network
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2-1-1 is the health and human service equivalent of 9-1-1.   By calling the three digit 2-1-1 number, families can access community information and referral services every hour and day of the week.  

 2-1-1 is much more than a telephone service or directory assistance number. Calling 2-1-1 connects people with trained and supportive professionals who help identify needs, problem-solve with callers to identify solutions, and guide families through the confusing maze of public and private health and human services.  The 2-1-1 Network Centers maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date database of local human service resources that skilled 2-1-1 helpline counselors use to assist people in finding the services they need. 

In addition to assisting callers, 2-1-1 Network Centers provide comprehensive human service directories for their communities in both print and electronic formats.  Most 2-1-1 centers provide free searchable online directories through their respective websites.  Links to these websites and searchable directories can be found on www.211florida.org.

 The Florida 2-1-1 Network was created by authorization of the Florida Legislature in 2002.  Florida 2-1-1 providers are certified and regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration.  (F.S.408.918).  2-1-1 Network members must adhere to nationally recognized standards for 2-1-1 centers and are required to become accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (www.airs.org).  The Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services (FLAIRS), a private nonprofit association provides leadership and coordination for the Network (www.flairs.org).  Most of the 2-1-1 Centers are private nonprofit organizations and a few operate through local government agencies.

 The Florida 2-1-1 Network is built on a system of collaborative relationships between regional 2-1-1 Centers, specialized information and referral providers and other human service organizations.  When fully developed, the Florida 2-1-1 Network will be a statewide system of 18 to 20 regional centers providing 2-1-1 coverage for 100 percent of Florida.  In November 2006, there were 16 active 2-1-1 Network Centers in the Florida 2-1-1 Network serving 50 out of 67 counties and approximately 87 percent of the Florida population.  FLAIRS would like to achieve full implementation of the Network by 2008.  Funding for full implementation is being sought from Federal, State, local and private sources to accomplish this goal.

 Benefits of total access to 2-1-1:

  • 2-1-1 is a confidential call. Most often the name of the caller is not even taken.
  • 2-1-1 provides a gateway to community services.
  • 2-1-1 is efficient, fast and easy to use.
  • 2-1-1 helps to avoid wrong numbers; no wasted time trying to find the right resource.
  • 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system; people can call 2-1-1 for non emergency purposes, saving this vital resource for life and death emergencies.
  • 24-hour / 7 day a week availability, 2-1-1 is always there for families.
  • 2-1-1 strengthens communities by uniting people who want to help with those who are in need.
 
         

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November 08, 2006