Library: News Releases
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announces that it has a project for which it intends to provide grant money in the total sum of $541,200 to provide “2-1-1 Call Services” to specific geographic areas of the state. The project will include urban call centers serving the Greater Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas and one rural call center that demonstrates the readiness to make the transition to a 2-1-1 system.
The call centers must provide free 24-hour telephone information and referral services for the specified geographical areas. The centers will connect people in need with health and human service agencies and programs that can provide assistance in their areas. It is anticipated that separate local project providers will be required for each of the three geographic areas described above.
2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human information and referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognized number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need of appropriate community based organizations and governmental agencies. 2-1-1 is designed for people in need to easily navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human services and programs.
On May 31, 2003, the Corporation Commission published rules and requirements for establishing 2-1-1 call centers in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Committee was created as a formal governing board to implement the state’s program. The Committee represents many state agencies, non-profit agencies and telecommunications providers.
Through HB1094, the Oklahoma Legislature provided state funds to establish the initial 2-1-1 call centers in the state.
The Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Committee selects the groups or entities that will operate the 2-1-1 call centers. OKDHS then administers the grant funds to the centers that are selected by the 2-1-1 Advisory Committee.
It is anticipated that the types of persons or entities eligible for this local project funding contract are those who can provide the following:
- Ensure 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operations;
- Ascribe to the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) standards for information and referral and have a plan in place to become accredited by AIRS;
- Serve the geographical area designated by the 2-1-1 Call Center in consultation with the telecommunications service provider;
- Agree to provide information and referral service consistent with the national standards set out by AIRS;
- Agree to use the 2-1-1 service exclusively for the distribution of information and referral and not use the service for commercial advertisements; and,
- Provide information and referral service to callers without charging a fee.
For more information or to get an application, contact:
Pat Weaver, Administrator
Contracts & Purchasing
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
PO Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-0352
(405) 521-4119
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