State’s 2-1-1 Director Heeds Call of National Steering Committee

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --  2-1-1 Oklahoma Director Lori Linstead is one of 16 leaders from throughout the United States and Canada selected to serve on the 2-1-1 U.S. National Steering Committee.  Linstead will fulfill a two-year term devoted to growing and solidifying the national infrastructure for 2-1-1 U.S., ultimately strengthening the organization locally and statewide.

“They couldn’t have selected a better person to represent this program at the national level,” said Eleanor Kurtz, programs administrator of the Contracts and Coalitions Unit within the Department of Human Services Aging Services Division. “This is a very prestigious position and for Oklahoma to have a seat at the table for assisting other states, and leading the program nationally, is really a boon for Oklahoma, as well.”

Linstead has served on the 2-1-1 U.S. National Steering Committee for almost two years, but now that the committee is moving from a voluntary leadership group to a more formalized committee, representing all states’ 2-1-1 programs, Linstead was invited to serve as a part of the new structure.

Under Linstead’s leadership, 2-1-1 Oklahoma has drawn national attention. “Oklahoma does things very well,” said Linstead. “On a limited budget, we’re still recognized as a national leader.”

2-1-1 helps Oklahomans maintain self-sufficiency and links most callers to non-profit and faith-based organizations who, in turn, offer assistance with food, clothing, housing, health care, transportation, income support, government services, legal assistance, consumer concerns, public safety and disaster response, among other issues.

Connecting Oklahomans with important services and volunteer opportunities, 2-1-1 Oklahoma is an easy-to-remember telephone number, providing free and confidential service 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

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