UTICA, NY (May 16, 2024) – United Way of the Mohawk Valley Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Susan Litera, announced the launch of a new multifaceted campaign to raise awareness about the availability and value of the 211-information resource among those in need.
“Calling 211, texting 898-211 or visiting www.211midyork.org reduces time and frustration by acting as a central access point to needed health and human services within Herkimer, Oneida, and Madison Counties, stated Litera.
2-1-1 contact centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they need. 2-1-1 services are free, confidential, and accessible to everyone through multilingual capabilities. Information is also available online through comprehensive regional databases of government and nonprofit services.
“The purpose of our awareness campaign is to assure that the people most in need of vital services know how to access resources and referrals quickly and efficiently. With the help of notable members of our community and social media, we hope to educate the public about the availability and value of contacting 211,” stated Sarah Macri, Director of Strategic Impact with the Mohawk Valley chapter of the United Way.
With the vision of a first-rate, accredited information and referral service in mind, 211 Mid-York turned on the phone on January 1, 2015. With this launch, 211 Mid-York joined other 211 services throughout NYS that provide state-wide service to NYS residents. In addition to 100% of NYS having 211, 92.6% of the United States also has this important service. Now, in addition to being able to dial 211 by phone, residents can access the community’s most extensive listing of available resources and services online or by texting "HELP" to 898-211.
“It is my pleasure to be a voice of 211 and spread the word to help improve the quality of life in the Mohawk Valley. 211 is available to everyone for everyday needs and critical information during and after a local or national crisis, disaster, or tragedy, 24 hours per day, 365 days out of the year. It helps connect people with resources ranging from healthcare and housing to food and clothing as well as an array of other services,” stated City of Utica Mayor, Michael Galime.
An additional benefit of 211 is that cumulative call reports enable communities to pinpoint areas of need and address gaps in service, thus enhancing a community’s health and human services capacity as well as the likelihood of positive change.
“211 can be a valuable resource to the residents of Rome. It is available to everyone for everyday needs and critical information during and after a local or national crisis, disaster, or tragedy, 24 hours per day, 365 days out of the year. It helps connect the people of Rome with resources ranging from healthcare and housing to food and clothing as well as an array of other services,” stated City of Rome Mayor, Jeffrey Lanigan.
“In these difficult economic times, people can use all the help they can get. 211 is available to everyone for everyday needs and critical information during and after a local or national crisis, disaster, or tragedy, 24 hours per day, 365 days out of the year. The people of Oneida can connect with resources ranging from healthcare and housing to food and clothing as well as an array of other services,” stated City of Oneida Mayor, Rick Rossi.
About the United Way: United Way of the Mohawk Valley is a local, independent non-profit organization funding area programs and services, providing a safety net for our community, and addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and income. For more information about United Way, or to donate to the annual campaign, visit www.unitedwaymv.org or call (315) 733-4691.
Media Contact:
Jack Pflanz
Director, Development & Communications
JackP@UnitedWayMV.org
P: (315) 733-4692 ext. 232
