The United Way’s across Maine have established 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. as an efficient and cost effective response to the growing complexities and needs in health, social, economic and human services. On July 6, 2006, 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. was launch in Maine.

 One number – thousands of services.  Dialing 2-1-1 will give access to thousands of services with a number that is short, simple and easy to remember.  Throughout all of Maine, dialing 2-1-1 will be free of charge and will enable Maine residents to access vital community services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Dialing 211 will give access to a multitude of services and information and allows people to talk to people and explain their situation in their own words.  The 211 Specialist are trained to draw out necessary information, understand the problem and find the organization best suited to help.  211 will work closely with emergency providers to quickly transition callers directly to medical and emergency care.  

 211 is already being used in many states across the country and has had a tremendous impact.  Dialing 2-1-1 is to health and social services what 9-1-1 is to emergency services. 

 If your agency or organization would like to be listed in the 211 database, please call the United Way of Aroostook at 764-5197.

What Is 2-1-1?

• 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people to a full range of non-emergency health and social services in their community.

• 2-1-1 is accessible to all Maine residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ·

• 2-1-1 can provide important support during times of disaster, offering information and rumor control for the public.

• 2-1-1 assures that there is quality, valid data on local information and referral sources for all areas of the state.

• 2-1-1 is accountable for customer satisfaction and call outcome measurement.

• 2-1-1 call data can be a valuable tool in community planning.

How 2-1-1 Works?

• Dialing 2-1-1, an easy to remember three-digit number, will give access to a multitude of services and information.

• 2-1-1 lets people talk to people. Callers can explain their situation in their own words.

• 2-1-1 telephone specialists are trained to draw out necessary information, understand the problem and find the organizations best suited to help.

• 2-1-1 will work closely with emergency providers to quickly transition callers directly to medical and emergency care.

A Brief 2-1-1 History.

• The first 2-1-1 call center was initiated by United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1997. Connecticut followed with a statewide system in 1998. ·

• In July, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission approved the use of 2-1-1 nationally for information and referral.

• 2-1-1 call centers currently operate in 26 states, serving 30% of the U.S.

2-1-1 Planning in Maine.

• In July 2000 a task force of United Way, agency and state government representatives convened. They reviewed models from various states and completed a survey of information and referral services in Maine. ·

• Principles and standards for 2-1-1 Maine were established. ·

• A consensus model with a central call center for Maine was developed, as well as a business plan and budget. ·

• In March 2003, 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. was incorporated and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Ingraham to operate the call center. ·

• A target date of July 2005 was established for operation.

Lead Partners: United Ways of Maine Ingraham

400 Congress Street PO Box 15200 Portland, Maine 04112-5200 T 207.874.1000 F 207.874.1007