2-1-1 Statewide Coverage Available April 1

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Oklahomans now have access to the state’s 3-digit Information and Referral hotline, 2-1-1.  The 2-1-1 phone number will be “live”, 24 hours daily, 365 days annually, statewide, effective April 1, as the remaining 19 counties in North Central and Northwestern Oklahoma transition into the 2-1-1 service.
Oklahoma 2-1-1 now operates out of seven local Call Centers, covering the entire state.  The added counties include Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Major, Noble, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.

“This is great news for all of us who have been working on the goal of having 2-1-1 rolled out statewide before 2010,” said, Carrie DeWeese, 2-1-1 Statewide Coordinator.  “Even though the number is available statewide, businesses that use phone business exchange (PBX) systems must have their phones internally programmed by an office administrator or phone technician to allow the systems to dial and access 2-1-1.”  Oklahoma is the 21st state in the nation to have 2-1-1 accessibility statewide.

Now searching for community information and referral resources is as simple as dialing 2-1-1, from your home, cellular, or pay phone. 2-1-1 is the number to call to give help or get help.

2-1-1 plays a key role in assisting emergency management officials during times of disaster or community emergency.  2-1-1 serves as a conduit to disseminate current and accurate information to citizens affected by storms and other disasters, small and large.

For more information, contact your local 2-1-1 Call Center by simply dialing 2-1-1 or visit the 211 Web site.

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