NEWS RELEASE

2-1-1 is the number set aside by the FCC in 2000 as a single, memorable means of access to health and human services information and referral. While our region is blessed with a rich infrastructure of public and not for profit services, finding out about those services and linking up with them can sometimes be challenging and overwhelming. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed by well trained information and referral specialists who can provide information and link callers to agencies from a regional database of services around the clock. For both day to day needs and during times of disaster, 2-1-1 has proven to be a great mechanism to link callers who need help, as well as those who want to help, thus relieving emergency management agencies from calls that may not be appropriate for them.

Planning for 2-1-1 services in the North Country has been spearheaded by the United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc. A steering committee was formed with representatives from Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties to explore the need, feasibility and design of a regional 2-1-1 system and they have worked closely with Ana Winans, Director of 2-1-1 New York. While the steering committee has focused on Clinton/Essex/Franklin, the possibility of a larger regional partnership does exist.

The 2-1-1 program will be developed, overseen and monitored by the steering committee which is comprised of at least three representatives from each county. The United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc. is the convener and facilitator. The current committee includes:

John Bernardi, Executive Director, United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc.

Jeanie Roberts, Executive Director, American Red Cross-North Country Chapter

Patty Bashaw, Director, Essex County Office for the Aging/NY Connects

Crystal Carter, Director, Clinton County Office for the Aging/NY Connects

Cindy Estus, Director, Essex County DSS

Don Jaquish, Asst. Director, Essex County Emergency Services

John Redden, Asst. Commissioner, Clinton County DSS

Kelly Donoghue, Asst. Director, Clinton County Emergency Services

Lesley Lyon, Commissioner, Franklin County DSS

Malcolm Jones, Director, Franklin County Emergency Services

Nancy Reich, Executive Director, ComLinks, Inc.

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Peter Trout, Chief of Services, Behavioral Health Services North, Inc.

Ray Thatcher, Director, Essex County Emergency Services

Rick Provost, Asst. Director, Franklin County Emergency Services

Ron Jackson, Legislator, Essex County Board of Supervisors

Marion Daniels, Director of Finance, United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc.

Kathy Snow, Administrative Coordinator, United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties

Susan Rice, Executive Director, United Way of Franklin County, Inc.

Jayn Graves, Executive Director, United Way of Northern New York, Inc.

Janice Marlow, Director, NY Connects/CARES Franklin County

Lowell Tennyson, Director of Services, Franklin County DSS

The service will be contracted out to an operational region or other suitable organization, based on the review of proposals from those interested in providing the service. This will include the development and maintenance of a data base which will be monitored by the steering committee.

At this time, the steering committee is actively working to identify an entity within the three Counties, or within New York State, to provide the service. The committee feels that contracting would be the most efficient and cost effective measure at this time. A request for proposals will be distributed both regionally and statewide over the next few weeks.

Public Education and marketing will also be coordinated by the steering committee. Extensive use of media outlets and outreach mechanisms will be utilized to promote the service. News conferences, public service announcements, paid advertising and agency outreach are examples of methods to be used. This will include educating the public during development and marketing the service near the time of initiation.

Due to the cost effective nature of this proposal, it is anticipated that New York State funding will be adequate to establish the database and other steps crucial to providing the desired services in the Northern region. This will be supplemented by a wide range of local resources and in-kind services provided by the United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc., local government and other community partners. These may include staff time, outreach, governance and monitoring.

2-1-1 information and referral will be a valuable service for the residents of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. In addition to providing accurate and timely health and human service information to people in need, the service will also lessen the burden on a wide variety of public and private agencies that spend resources addressing misguided inquiries. Also, several local information and referral mechanisms will be linked by 2-1-1 and enhanced by their mutual affiliation.

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. * 45 Tom Miller Road * Plattsburgh, NY 12901