Calling for 2-1-1: Update

July 28, 2010

Calling for 2-1-1: UPDATE

Friends,

Unfortunately, the Calling for 2-1-1 act will not be moved before Congress goes on recess this week, but that doesn't mean it is time to stop your advocacy! All efforts are now focused on their return from recess and we still need your help.

Here is what you can do right now to help make accessing vital health and human services easier for all Americans, including your friends and neighbors right here in Kentucky:

Click here to view the Senate Bill or here to view the House Bill. Enter your zip code in the box provided. You will be prompted with an opportunity to send an email to your members of Congress. Text is provided, but it is always best to personalize your message.

In addition, take a moment today to contact your Congressional representatives by phone. You can find their contact information by entering your zip code on United Way's public policy page here.

Remember these talking points:

Thank them for their hard work on behalf of Kentucky.
Let them know you are a constituent.
Ask them to work for the passage of the Calling for 2-1-1 act because:
- 2-1-1 is an information and referral line that connects people to vital social services provided by a range of nonprofit and government agencies.
- 2-1-1 call centers reduce non-emergency calls to 9-1-1, reducing costs and saving 9-1-1 resources for critical emergency needs.
- Currently, 2-1-1 is available to 80% of the U.S. population, with 240 active 2-1-1 call centers in 46 states. 2-1-1 call centers nationwide received over 16 million calls in 2009, a 13% increase above the 2008 call total.
- The act would create a federal grant program to build an adequate telecommunications infrastructure, provide appropriate staff levels and training, establish or maintain 24-hour-a-day service, ensure complete and accurate informational databases, and reach rural populations.

Call your members of Congress before the recess on Friday, and ask them to make this their top priority in September!

Thank you,

Terry Tolan
President
United Way of Kentucky

The UWKY Advocacy Brief is a service of United Way of Kentucky. For more information on UWKY's public policy platform, visit uwky.org/policy.html.