The goal of 2-1-1 is to create a simple, free, uniform telephone point of access to all existing community health and social services.The single point of access will eliminate the need for people to struggle with hundreds of telephone listings trying to find the right answer.
·Why does Medina County need 2-1-1?
In Medina County there are more than 300 non-profit organizations & government organizations providing hundreds more health and human services. With 2-1-1, people no longer have to navigate through the complicated web of health & human service programs.One phone call to a trained call specialist helps cut through the different services by eligibility requirements so that a person will only be referred to those agencies that really can help them.
·How does 2-1-1 work?
2-1-1 is a simple, easy to remember number to call when you need information regarding human services.It is free, confidential, and available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.An Information Specialist will answer the call, and ask basic questions about your problem, address and zip code, and look up appropriate services in the Medina County database.The Information Specialist will refer the caller to at least three appropriate agencies in Medina County.
·How is 2-1-1 different from 4-1-1 or 9-1-1?
2-1-1 is NOT for life-threatening emergency situations and it is not just a phone directory.It IS information and referral.Unlike 9-1-1, a person is not going to come to your door and immediately come to your aid.A person who is looking for a food pantry that is open until 9:00pm, or a day care center close to their neighborhood that accepts infants would call
2-1-1 to get two or three referral numbers.This narrows down the number of additional phone calls and makes it more likely that the caller will find a solution to the problem sooner.
·How long has this service been available to the community?
The first 2-1-1 call in Medina County was made on February 11, 2005.Last year there were 1,707 calls requesting 2,117 services.That is a 23% increase in one year.2-1-1 is now available from most cell phone carriers in Medina County
·Is the 2-1-1 database available online?
YES.A searchable 2-1-1 database is available online by visiting www.211medina.org.
·In 2006 what where the needs of Medina County Callers?
For the past two years, 2-1-1 Medina County Top 10 requests have remained the same.
1.Utility Bill Payment Assistance
2.Rent Assistance
3.Food Pantries
4.Homeless Shelter
5.General Legal Aid
6.Community Clinics
7.Public Housing
8.Holiday Gifts/Toys
9.Job Finding Assistance
10.Paratransit Programs
·Is United Way of Medina County providing this service by itself?
NO.This program is the best example of how collaboration works!The 2-1-1 funding partners are United Way ofMedina County, Medina County Commissioners, Medina County Job & Family Services, Medina CountyEmergency Management Agency, Medina County ADAMH Board,and Medina County District Library.There are several other agencies active on the marketing committee and the taskforce that meets quarterly to review and make improvements to the services.
·What do we know about 2-1-1 callers in Medina County?
We know that 70% are calling for themselves, 16% are calling from an organization or company on behalf of someone, and 14% are calling for a family or friend.
·Is 2-1-1 a National Health & Human Service Initiative?
By February 2007, 2-1-1 will be serving approximately 196 million Americans – over 65% of the U.S. population; 212 active 2-1-1 systems covering all or part of 41 states (including 19 states with 100% coverage) plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.
What can I do to help spread the word about 2-1-1?
United Way 2-1-1 First Call for Help is looking for new partners to continue to serve Medina County. We would like to invite any interested volunteers to become involved in keeping this important service available.We always need group speaking opportunities, distribution points for 2-1-1 literature, volunteers to help with marketing and taskforce members.For additional information about United Way 2-1-1 First Call for Help, please call Mary Raitano at 330-725-3926 ext.107, MRaitano@unitedwaymedina.org.
The American Red Cross of Medina County is looking for real heroes from Medina County. Do you know someone who has performed an extraordinary act of courage to save someone’s life? Or maybe you know someone who commits countless hours to a special cause?
As a community leader in emergency preparedness, prevention and response, the American Red Cross is honoring individuals whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them someone’s hero. These individuals take action in a time of crisis to make a difference in the lives of others.
Enjoy over 15 samples of chili and help Haiti relief efforts at the ‘Heat It Up for Haiti’ Chili Cook-Off. This local event is being sponsored by Friends of Medina City Schools in partnership with the local chapter of the American Red Cross on Friday, February 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at Medina High School.
American Red Cross Provides First Aid, Supplies in Croix Deprez
Outside the damaged American Red Cross office in Croix Deprez, volunteers from Haiti and around the world are working side-by-side to clean and stitch wounds amidst the earthquake’s rubble. Outreach teams are also traveling through the neighborhood camps today, providing basic relief items, such as tarps, blankets, jerry cans for water and hygiene supplies.
“Groups of Haitian Red Cross youth volunteers will comb the worst-hit neighborhoods, street by street, promoting safe hygiene practices and encouraging people to come to the first aid posts,” said Winnie Romeril, a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Haiti.
American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern is in the Dominican Republic, meeting with other Red Cross and government leaders today to help coordinate a global response to unprecedented need in Haiti. Today, she will travel to Haiti to visit American Red Cross relief distribution points.
Calling All Chocoholics to the Annual Chocolate Festival!
Chocolate doesn't make the world go around ... but it certainly makes the ride worthwhile! The American Red Cross of Medina County and the J.M. Smucker Company invite you and all your friends to the 13th annual “For the Love of Chocolate” Festival. The 2010 event will feature decadent chocolate items from over 40 chocolatiers, Saturday, February 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a NEW LOCATION at the Medina Performing Arts Center at Medina High School, 851 Weymouth Rd., Medina.
