FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Karen Hawes, Lee County Human Services
               (239) 652-7930

FEB. 11 - "211 DAY" - TO RECOGNIZE HUMAN SERVICES REFERRAL LINE

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 9, 2004) - The Board of Lee County Commissioners is recognizing Feb. 11 as "211 Day" to get the word out about the universally recognized health and social services referral line.

Similar to 911 for emergencies and 411 for directory assistance, 211 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free social services information that was introduced in 1997 in the Atlanta area.

The local 211 Help Line was launched in August through a partnership with United Way of Lee County, plugging people in need into the area's network of health and human service agencies. The line is staffed by specialists who are trained to assess callers' needs, provide information around the clock and refer people to help ranging from financial assistance, food and shelter to counseling and support services.

Lee County was the 9th community in Florida and only the 80th in the entire country to offer the free service. Currently 23 percent of the United States can access 211 services.

The Board of Lee County Commissioners will present the following resolution at its meeting Feb. 10:

WHEREAS, the 211 is the national dialing code for free access to health and social services information and referral; and

WHEREAS, the 211 provides callers with information and links them to the services they need; and

WHEREAS, many people in our community who need help do not know how to navigate through the complex maze of the hundreds of social service programs that exist; and

WHEREAS, 211 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout Lee County; and

WHEREAS, making services easier to access encourages prevention and fosters self sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, 211 allows employers, service providers, government agencies, businesses, public safety and others an opportunity to connect people to the correct agency for service; and

WHEREAS, 211 is a partnership between United Way of Lee County, Lee County Government, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Publix Super Markets.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize February 11, 2004 as "211 Day" and commends the organizations and private businesses who have joined together to improve the quality of life for Lee County residents.

Duly Executed this 10th day of February 2004.

Board of County Commissioners

Lee County, Florida

John E. Albion, Chairman