Celebrate Mass 2-1-1 Day Virtually This Week

Every year on February 11, United Ways in Massachusetts and across the country celebrate 2-1-1 Day to raise awareness of this important public service. Everyone knows the three-digit number to call in an emergency, but some Bay Staters may not be aware of the simple number they can dial for health and human service assistance.

According to a recent press release from United Way of Greater New Bedford, Mass 211 provides telephone and web information and referral service for residents of the Commonwealth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. "Trained 2-1-1 Information and Referral Specialists connect callers to thousands of human service organizations. This includes providers for food programs, housing and emergency shelter, elder care, physical and mental health services, childcare resources, drug and alcohol services, utility assistance, victim services, and at times, is activated when needed for emergencies and disasters."

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mass 211 Day celebration will be held virtually on Thursday, February 11 at 2:11 pm. The public is invited to attend and can do so by clicking the following link to attend virtually:

Link: http://bit.ly/211dayma
Meeting ID: 972 0171 7774
Passcode: 257168

A special video submission will be shared with attendees from Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, who will proclaim February 11, 2021, as 2-1-1 Day across the commonwealth.

“Dialing 2-1-1 from a landline or cell phone provides residents of Massachusetts with free, confidential, referral services and is easy to use,” said Eileen Davis, Vice President of Mass2-1-1, and Director of Call2Talk. “Mass2-1-1 is available in all 14 counties across the state and offers translation in over 150 languages. This is a critical service every day, but more so now while the pandemic continues to impact every aspect of our daily lives.”

“Mass 2-1-1 has been an invaluable resource in our region for many years,” said Michelle N. Hantman, President & CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford. “During the pandemic, 2-1-1 provided our residents with up-to-date information on food pantries, child care, financial assistance programs, and COVID-19 resources released by the state and the CDC. We are a proud funder of Mass 2-1-1 and are thankful to the many call takers who have worked tirelessly this past year.”

To learn more about the United Way of Greater New Bedford, Mass2-1-1, or Call2Talk, please visit their websites at unitedwayofgnb.org and Mass211.org.