NEWS RELEASE

2-1-1 Day Highlights New Service

Offered by United Way of Greater Duluth

St. Louis County’s Information and Referral (I & R) program, a service connecting people with services, closed on February 1, 2004 and on Monday, February 2nd , United Way of Greater Duluth began providing services through a newly established 2-1-1 program. The United Way 2-1-1 joins six other I & R, First Call for Help, and 2-1-1 programs in First Call Minnesota’s statewide network. February 11th has been designated national "2-1-1 Day"

People in northeast Minnesota will be able to access information about community organizations and services by dialing 2-1-1 or 218-726-4855, or 800-543-7709. Phone lines are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, those with internet access can search for agencies and programs at www.firstcallnet.org.

There are more than 700 community, health and human service organizations serving our region, and many times, not knowing where to turn is the only barrier separating a person from the services needed to help them.

The United Way of Greater Duluth has agreed to take over this valuable service for one year, as they seek partnerships towards a long term plan for 2-1-1 services. For more information, please contact Paula Reed at the United Way of Greater Duluth at 726-4790, or Lee Francisco at St. Louis County Public Health and Social Service, 726-2011.

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