DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NEWS RELEASE
CARSON CITY — Soon after a partnership agreement was established for Nevada 211 to act as a call center in times of disaster for the Washoe County Emergency Operations Center, they were called into action. Because the crash at the Reno Air Races on September 16, was a high-magnitude disaster, officials needed a strong response effort to manage the demand for information. Staff and volunteers of 211 were tasked with responding to calls about the accident from loved ones, spectators, local, national and international media, and other first responders. They worked around the clock for nearly a week and processed more than 3,500 calls. “Their commitment and dedication to the job at hand, made the 211 staff and volunteers an integral part in the ability to respond to this horrific event in an organized, timely, professional, and responsive manner,” said Kathy Jacobs, Crisis Call Center Director.
Established by Executive Order in February 2006, the Nevada 211 Partnership was created to implement a multi-tiered response and information plan in the state of Nevada. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Contact information on essential services ranging from finding an after-school program to securing adequate care for a child or an aging parent can be provided by the 211 operator. United Way Worldwide is the primary sponsor of the 211 program, which has as its goal the inclusion of this vital information line in every corner of the United States.
“We appreciate Governor Sandoval’s and the Legislature’s support of this program during the Legislative session. This expanded role of 211 will be a showcase for other partnerships which can be developed throughout the state so that 211 will continue to be a relevant and meaningful Information Resource Center,” said Mary Liveratti, Deputy Administrator, Department of Health and Human Services.
