A Statewide Initiative Providing Easy Access to Health and Human Services

Manchester, NH - United Ways of New Hampshire (UWNH) is proud to announce the launch of 2-1-1 NH, a statewide initiative and easy to remember phone number that will connect people in need of health and human services. UWNH, comprised of all 10 New Hampshire-based United Ways (see attachment) have all identified access to health services as a priority need in their communities. These United Ways have collaborated with one another to develop a system with one centralized call center and a web-based statewide database of resources.

“2-1-1 NH is the most successful statewide project to date initiated by all ten United Ways,” said Patrick Tufts, president and chief executive officer of Heritage United Way. “We have secured a wonderful partnership with Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) to provide in-kind services of space, utilities and technology. Without the gracious support of PSNH and other corporate partners, this much needed effort would not possible.” 

The 2-1-1 call center is located at PSNH’s own call center. “When the NH United Ways approached us about the 211 concept, we recognized that we could share our technical infrastructure and expertise and by doing so help meet the vital needs of New Hampshire citizens,” noted Gary Long, PSNH president and chief operating officer. “The New Hampshire 211 project is a great example of what can be accomplished when organizations around the state with different strengths and resources come together in support of a common goal.”

The 2-1-1 NH System is an important tool that will help keep all the citizens of New Hampshire informed about essential services available to them,” said Governor John Lynch.  “I would like to thank all 10 of New Hampshire’s United Ways, the corporations, foundations, service providers and volunteers who helped make 2-1-1 NH available to every citizen of New Hampshire.”

By dialing 2-1-1, New Hampshire residents will be connected with a trained information and referral specialist who can provide them with the information they need to get help or give help.  For the first time, citizens will have access to resources throughout New Hampshire simply by dialing 2-1-1 and at no cost to the caller. 2-1-1 exists in 44 states in the U.S.  Additional funding for 2-1-1 NH is provided by United Ways of New Hampshire, the State of NH, Citizens Bank Foundation, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Exeter Hospital.  With support from the Endowment for Health and under the volunteer leadership of Major General Joseph Simeone (ret.), the United Ways engaged health and human service care providers, the five comprehensive Information and Referral providers and technical experts until they arrived at a unique public/private/nonprofit model for 2-1-1.  This will provide New Hampshire residents with the most effective, most efficient delivery of comprehensive information and referral services.  As of June 11, 2008, people in New Hampshire can access a vast network of health and human service organizations simply by dialing 2-1-1. “Every hour of every day, someone in this state needs essential services—from finding an after-school program to securing housing assistance,” said Major General Joseph Simeone (ret.) “In many cases people end up going without these necessary and readily available services because they do not know where to start.  2-1-1 NH now gives them the opportunity to get the help and services they need.”

Citizens Bank Foundation is proud to support the implementation of 2-1-1 NH, “At Citizens, we recognize that matching people in need with organizations that can help them is critically important to the strength of our communities,” said Cathleen A. Schmidt, president, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire. “Just as importantly we are pleased to assist the United Ways in a statewide collaboration. As a statewide bank, we share the United Way’s belief that we can improve lives by bringing together the caring power of communities.” 

“Exeter Hospital’s commitment to supporting 2-1-1 stems from our mission to improve the health of the community by providing both services and information to our residents,” said Kevin Callahan, president and chief executive officer of Exeter Hospital. “2-1-1 will connect people across New Hampshire with the services that can help them and their families stay healthy while providing an unparalleled resource to individuals at times of personal crisis.”

“My family has always been a supporter of our local United Way, never did I think I would find myself using the services they offered,” said William St.Onge, 2-1-1 caller. “My daughter and her husband are in the military, so my wife and I care for our 10 year old grandson. We needed assistance in finding an affordable, safe summer program, among other services. Having access to resources in one central location is very helpful especially in a time of uncertainty. The  2-1-1- specialists are trained professionals, who are courteous and respectful of your situation. 2-1-1 NH is a powerful resource.”  

Visit NH 2-1-1 on the web at www.211nh.org