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2-1-1 system in place for Greene Co.

2 min read

WAYNESBURG – Thanks to a recent agreement signed by the Greene County commissioners, the Greene County Emergency Management Agency is now working with PA 2-1-1 Southwest to connect callers with the proper resources during nonemergencies.

The announcement was made Wednesday during the commissioners’ agenda meeting.

Under the memorandum of understanding signed in December, nonemergency calls to the county’s 911 Center will be transferred to 2-1-1, which connects people with community, housing, health and disaster services. Emergency calls to 2-1-1 will likewise be transferred to 911. Since the partnership began, approximately 60 calls a month have been made to 2-1-1 from Greene County residents.

In addition to Greene County, PA 2-1-1 Southwest serves 10 other counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Although free to callers, the service costs a minimal fee for each county to participate. Greene County United Way, Alpha Natural Resources and First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County are all sponsoring the program locally.

Some of the resources 2-1-1 helps people find include financial and food assistance, free tax preparation, health care assistance, elder care services and volunteer opportunities.

The program has resource navigators trained to confidentially assess callers’ needs and make referrals to appropriate regional resources.

The PA 2-1-1 Southwest database contains more than 5,000 health and human service providers.

In the first quarter of 2014, 272 calls were made to 2-1-1 from Greene County, and more than 25,000 calls were made throughout the 11-county region. In 2013, more than 58,000 calls were made, with the top needs including housing and shelter, utility assistance, food, material goods, individual and family services and consumer services.

For more information on 2-1-1, call Greene County United Way at 724-852-1009, or visit www.pa211sw.org.

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