www.211.org

In my area when its an emergency/crisis but you don't need police, fire or ambulance, you just call 2-1-1. They are managing a huge database that allows anyone to tap into all the local resources out there on any kind of problem imaginable. Easy Peasy!

I met them when my office participated in a local seminar they hosted that showcased all the help we have in my community (I was SO impressed about how much help is available WOW!).

It is because of them that I can be so hopeful with others too since it really cuts down on the "scrambling to find resources" part of the help equation. Now I work closely with them in my professional life and it's my hope that they can continue to build a nationwide network in the US.

I realise this won't work for those outside the US, but should you have similar resources, please post them too?

fredg

Hi,
Here in the Applachain Mountains of VA, small town, we have a Hospital not too far away from most. The 911 number is available, but it now connects to the Sheriff's Dispatcher, who can call any ambulance service one wants. I don't know of any data bases in our area yet. Hopefully, one will be available.
We also have another Hospital, 30 miles away, better hospital in some ways, with Chemo & Radiation treatment facilities. Also, there are Med Helicopter flights available when needed.
Best wishes.

valinors_sorrow

Hey Fred - glad to see you! Thanks for the post. If you ever meet some energetic person who needs something to do, you might suggest they contact the 2-1-1 folks to start something similar in your area.

Just a thought?

ndx

Crisis with out emergency servise?

Like what exactly, and whos supposed to deal with it?

:s

CaptainForest

I'm with ndx....

What kind of "crisis" would occur for one to call 211 that doesn’t require Police/Fire/Paramedics?

valinors_sorrow

Hmmm I thought the kind of crisis would be plainly apparent after looking the site over....

There is a long list of situations: Suicidal situations, money problems, mental health concerns, life situations that require help like respite care for someone at their wits end from caring for their aging parent and or food to cover a gap for a family living on the edge or tranportation to an appointment because the car suddenly broke down for an elderly couple who's son lives out of state, etc, etc... to these people its an emergency and fortunately there are lots of agencies to help.

This is not in competition with 9-1-1, its in addition to it and actually welcomed by the 911 folks because they don't like getting these kinds of calls. I used it when I wanted to know information about the wildfires in my area. And many people used it during the hurricanes for all sorts of community information - how to find shelters or access FEMA, etc.

Is that any clearer for you both?

phillysteakandcheese

The 211 service is described as something that "...connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community ."

When you say "... an emergency/crisis but you don't need police, fire or ambulance..", it gives the wrong impression of what the service is about.

valinors_sorrow

I'm sorry Phil that it was so confusing to you. Its listed as the "Crisis Helpline" under "Emergency Services" here in my county and nobody seems confused about it so I don't know what to say?

Its just a tip, meant to be taken as that ....and use it or not. Shrugs If its not helpful then I can remove it or you can request it be removed too.

CaptainForest

The examples you gave are good.

But philly brings up some good points. It is somewhat misleading when you said emergency/crisis but not needing police et all…

For example, for money problems. I don't look at money problems as an emergency, but rather a problem that I need information or assistance to deal with.

It seems more like an all purpose information help line….which is a good idea btw.

valinors_sorrow

Thanks Captain, for a minute I thought I was doing something wrong here.

And I don't look at money problems as an emergency either but to the single mom who's electricity is getting cut off tomorrow it is. And that is typically who is looking for this help. I know that may open up a whole debate about why did she wait so long, etc but that's really not my intention here.