Blog

Case Study: VIA LINK's Dashboards

VIA LINK creates interactive dashboards that bring together data and insights related to call records, information from their resource database, and external datasets. VIA LINK has used the 211 National Data Platform in several ways, such as pulling resource directory data into their dashboards to visualize resource availability and gaps.

Case Study: No Wrong Door Virginia's Social Health Connector Tool

The Social Health Connector is a person-centered online tool that generates a customized social health connection plan based on an individual’s unique responses. The Plan provides customized information on local resources from 211 Virginia. Data from 211 Virginia is shared through the NDP’s Search API product.

Demystifying Open Enrollment for the Caregiver

As a millennial in between parenting my own children and assisting (parenting) my mom in managing her health, I identify as a caregiver and was completely lost when it came to Medicare. I had many questions like, what exactly is Medicare? What does it cover? Is it really free? Is my mom old enough to access it? The more I researched the more questions I had. As I continued to research the insurance and its coverages, things became a lot clearer! For those like me who have a plate full of responsibility, I’ve done some of the leg work to demystify Medicare and all of its parts.

Supporting Human-Animal Relationships as Protective Factors Against Suicide

People benefit from their relationships with their companion animals, physically and emotionally/mentally; with attention to the needs and well-being of the animals, this can be a symbiotic win-win relationship, in which the well-being of both people and animals are enhanced through the relationships. Caring about one’s animal can also result in stressors when the animal is having a health or behavioral issue, or the person is unable to access a needed resource, e.g., veterinary care due to cost or travel barriers, or housing/shelter because they are prohibited from bring their animal with them.

The Secret to Success in the Online Classroom

While there are many components to a successful online experience in education, this might be the most important: that you show up with passion and perseverance, that you want to learn, and that you will not let anything stand in your way.

How to get Assistance with Medical Bills

There are steps you can take on your own to prevent unnecessary debt and to ensure that you’re only paying for services you’ve received. In the struggle against excessive debt, asking the right questions is your secret weapon!

211 LA Overcomes Hate with Care

CA vs. Hate is not just a hotline; it's a movement that requires the active participation of individuals like you. By joining forces with public agencies, supportive services, and community advocates, we can significantly improve and strengthen the safety net cast around victims of hate acts.

Celebrating our Tiny Heroes: Month of the Military Child

April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the sacrifices and challenges faced by the children of military families. These children often experience frequent moves, changes in schools, and long periods of separation from their deployed parents. The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger to recognize the sacrifices of military children and their unique challenges. It has since become a nationwide observance, with schools, communities, and military installations holding events and activities to celebrate military children and their families.

7 Easy Ways to Save on Prescriptions Today

Don't skip your medications because of cost. A pharmacist shares 7 fast and free ways to save on prescriptions today.

211 – A Network United in Data!

Our network contact centers are an entry point to the social sector for 50,000 people a day. Now imagine bringing to life the power of 211 in every doctor’s office, pharmacy, utility company, school district, or even big box retailer. Or partnering with big tech on population health initiatives to identify services gaps in areas of greatest need. There are even opportunities to partner with the federal government to improve disaster response, coordination, and recovery. The NDP is helping our network be better positioned to drive policy, funding, and impact decisions at the highest levels.

“I asked ChatGPT for help finding food and this is what happened...”

ChatGPT is at the top of everyone’s mind—whether it is being used as a tool to help draft a cover letter, weekly meal plan, or even a 211.org blog post. But what happens when someone goes to ChatGPT for help?

Finding Help for Pet Families, 211 Connects with PetHelpFinder.org

Communities nationwide turn to 211 every day to find the help that they need. We know that both pets and their humans suffer when people cannot obtain care for their animals. We know that bonded families thrive when kept together.

211 Makes Connections and Gets Help

A 16-year-old, pregnant girl found herself homeless in Denver. After seeing the number on a poster at Denver Human Services, she called 211 Colorado. The 211 resource navigator who answered the phone realized the girl needed more than just food assistance. She asked a few questions, then connected the girl to a shelter and to transitional housing for pregnant women. And she set up a time to call the girl back to help her apply for food benefits, provided additional resources for clothing and basic needs for her and the baby, and more.

Our Neighborhood Heroes

Inspiration can shine from anyone that cares enough to show compassion for others. For Black History Month, it is just as important to celebrate the heroes next door as it is to celebrate the leaders represented in mainstream media.

Bridges Out of Poverty - Where Miracles Happen

Yes, this may be the 50th call today you’ve taken about food, but are you really listening to what is being said, and doing so in a kind and courteous manner?

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Help is on the Way!

Help is on the way! November is National Family Caregiver’s Month; a time devoted to honoring Americans who care for their aging or disabled loved ones, and one phone call to 211 can make a difference for the better.

A Season of Caring

We know that our callers need more than an internet search, they need a conversation that addresses an individual or family's needs in a much more comprehensive and personalized way.

950 Days Ago

In mid-March 2020, the 211 network was activated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic – and for the last 950 days #Team211 has delivered some amazing results and impact.

Hunger Action Month: Get Inspired, Then Do Something!

Working as a VISTA at United Way Worldwide, I get lots of behind-the-scenes views of local action to reduce hunger. I'm amazed by the United Way network’s creative solutions, community engagement and dedicated work to alleviate hunger around the world.

211 & Suicide Prevention

The Crisis Continuum of Care is built on somewhere to call, somewhere to go, and someone to come to you. Working together, we can build the foundation of the Crisis Continuum of Care: somewhere to call. Together we can provide help and hope, increase safety, build lives worth living and reduce suicide.

Back to School: The Top Ten Things to Know About Online University Classes

While many students are back in traditional classrooms, the trend toward online learning has only grown. As long-time online instructors, here are the Top Ten things we’d love you to know about online schooling.

Closing the Loop for New Jersey’s Kids

Addressing social determinants of health is the foundation of NJ 211’s mission. NJ 211 is rooted in New Jersey and has relationships with communities throughout the state and has worked side by side with agencies that provide the social/medical services for years. In August 2020, because of NJ 211’s expertise with providing and tracking community resources, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Central New Jersey approached NJ 211 to determine if they would be able to assist with the New Jersey Integrated Care for kids (NJ InCK) project.

211 Celebrates the Launch of 988

Today we celebrate finding another path, fitting in another piece of the puzzle, and making the map one step easier to navigate, thanks to the creation of our newest three-digit dialing code, 988.
988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Coming Out of Closets

During PRIDE month as we celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community, the 211 service is available to anyone coming out of closets and sharing their difficult situations. Diversity is a benchmark of the 211 network with PRIDE month as a beautiful celebration of this work – and it’s something we honor every day of the year.

Answering the Call

Across our country June 19th is being recognized as the historically celebrated holiday Juneteenth. While we celebrate this historical day in which impactful information was shared, let us recognize that our work of sharing information can play a vital role in supporting systemic change in our country, with a direct effect on the Black community and other people of color.