211 now an important number to remember

Not many people know about it yet, but someday 211 may be as essential a phone number as 411 and 911.

Unveiled last week by Gov. Kenny Guinn, 211 is a one-stop telephone number for information about basic human services such as food banks, clothing closets and shelters.

It will also help people with job placement, mental-health services, senior-citizen resources, disabilities and provide residents with information during natural disasters.

The phone number is operating now from 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday in Carson City, Washoe County and Clark County. It will be extended later to the rural counties.

When someone calls 211, they get a trained specialist who has access to a database of the various services available in Nevada. The specialist will try to help the caller if he or she can, or refer the caller to the appropriate agency or community group.

The phone service was set up by the state with the help of United Way, along with a number of other organizations and companies.

"Every hour of every day, someone in Nevada needs essential services - from substance abuse assistance to adequate care for a child or aging parent. People often don't know where to turn or who to call, and they may go without the help of those necessary and readily available services," Guinn said.

Now they do have a simple, easy-to-remember number to call.

The people who run the various agencies and organizations know all too well they can't sit back and wait for people to come to them. They must spread the word that help is available, and the easiest way is to make 211 a high-profile program.

It fits right along with 411 and 911, because your need may simply be for directions to the right information - or it may be to seek the kind of help that would save your life.