News and Updates from CrisisLink

Please Act Today to Keep 2-1-1 Available Statewide & Increase Access to 24/7

As CrisisLink prepares to launch 2-1-1 service for Northern Virginia to make 2-1-1 VIRGINIA available statewide for the first time, we need your help making sure legislators in Richmond provide funding needed for full year operation of Northern Virginia 2-1-1 and 24/7 access to 2-1-1 statewide.

2-1-1 VIRGINIA streamlines access to health and human services by providing a single, comprehensive, easy to access way for Virginians to find help and information on nonprofit, faith-based, and government programs--from a day program for your aging parent to mental health services for your teenager. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can also play a critical role during and after natural disasters or other emergencies by connecting residents with up-to-date, accurate information for those seeking shelter, information on road closures, and other critical information.

Your action today is critical to make sure legislators in Richmond support funding for 2-1-1 statewide and 24/7 for all Virginians.

Please take a moment to call or e-mail your legislators in Richmond to urge their support of House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s.

Please help us keep 2-1-1 available to all Virginians statewide and make 2-1-1 accessible 24/7!

Find contact information for your legislators here.

Find out more about 2-1-1 VIRGINIA here.

Use the Following Talking Points When Calling/E- mailing Your Legislators. Calling your legislators and emphasizing why you think 2-1-1 is important will have the greatest impact; however e-mails are also effective. Please let us know how your legislators receive your calls/e-mails by e-mailing us or calling 703-527- 6603.

Funds from House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s will be used to expand 2-1-1 VIRGINIA to 24/7 coverage statewide and fund a full year of 2-1-1 center operations in Northern Virginia.
During times of economic downturn, 2-1-1 becomes even more important, as it can help those adversely affected--those who are otherwise self- reliant--navigate the complex social service system to find programs without overwhelming government agencies, nonprofits, and other service providers.
With statewide coverage, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can pursue partnerships with local, state, and federal organizations and seek additional funding to support 2-1-1 statewide.
With 24/7 coverage, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can become a critical part of local, regional, and statewide emergency preparedness plans, as well as local mental health systems.
Nationally, 2-1-1 has proved to be a critical resource in disaster response during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and most recently during the wild fires in San Diego.
For 2-1-1 VIRGINIA to assist during times of disaster and emergencies in the Commonwealth, the program needs to expand its hours of service to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, a 24/7 operation is required for five of the six regional centers to maintain national accreditation.

Your action is critical to ensuring legislators in Richmond understand the importance of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA being available statewide and 24/7.

Please take a moment to call or e-mail your legislators in Richmond to urge their support of House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s.

Thank you!