211/988 Crisis Hotline Frequently Asked Questions
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What Services Does 211/988 Crisis Hotline Provide?
211 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable telephone number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
On July 21, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that the telephone number 211 be designated nationwide as the number to call for access to community information and referral services. The FCC stated that there is “sufficient public benefit to justify the use of this scarce public resource”.
As of February 2015, 211 serves over 291 million Americans – over 93.5% of the entire population – in all 50 states (including 39 states with 100% coverage) plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Every few weeks, those numbers increase. In Canada, 211/988 currently covers more than 60% of the population.
What about emergencies?
2-1-1 is not an emergency line. Call 9-1-1 if you’re facing a situation that requires help from police, fire or medical resources.
Do you provide counseling?
What types of information do you give out?
211 provides information on about 1000 agencies and 6000 programs that serve Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties that can help with a variety of needs. Examples include referrals for emergency shelter, rent or utility assistance, substance abuse, elder services, relationships, food, depression, employment, health care, abuse, parenting, crisis intervention, suicide prevention and disaster recovery.
I need a ride to my doctor. Is there anyone who can transport me?
Dial 211/988 to be connected with transportation services in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties.
Can I just talk about stuff or do I have to have a crisis?
What type of place is this? Do you have money to help me?
This is an information and referral center and a crisis hotline that you can reach by dialing 211. 211 is a simple to remember number that connects you with a trained professional who can assist you in defining the problems you are experiencing and providing resources that can help you address the issues you are experiencing. 211 in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties does not provide direct financial assistance but can provide you with referrals to programs that can provide financial assistance.
I need medication and have no money. Who can help?
Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide prescription expense assistance in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties.
Can you look things up for me on the Internet?
Where can I get help with paying my electric bill/ gas/ rent? Who can help me?
Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide utility and rental assistance in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties.
What is Information & Referral?
Information and Referral (I&R) services are the link between people and community organizations. With more than 26,600 nonprofit organizations in Ohio and scores of government agencies, many people find it challenging to navigate the maze of community resources. I&R specialists assess callers’ needs and determine the best service provider. I&R services maintain comprehensive databases of resources, including federal, state and local government agencies, community-based organizations, and private nonprofit organizations. Currently, Americans make approximately 13 million calls every year to I&R services. In Ohio, I&R services responded to at least 1.1 million calls last year. The 211 / Crisis Hotline responded to over 32,000 calls from Licking, Knox, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry and Washington Counties during the last year.
Who Can Use 211/988 Crisis Hotline?
Anyone living, working or visiting within Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties who can access 211 via a land line or cell phone. If you cannot access 211, please call 1-800-544-1601 or, in Licking County, 740-345-HELP (4357).
Can persons under 18 years of age call 211/988?
Yes, persons of any age can contact 211.
When Is 211/988 Crisis Hotline Available?
211 is available to you, by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call anytime you need help.
When was 211 started in Knox & Licking Counties?
Where Can I Get Help?
When you call 211/988, your calls go to a location that is confidential. 211/988 does not provide face-to-face service so you can only speak with a staff person by telephone.
Where can Ohioans call for answers to complex questions?
For more than thirty-five years, Information and Referral (I&R) services have helped people find answers. These services have the potential for increasing, by thousands, the number of people helped, but one major obstacle exists. Many people are unaware I&R services are available and therefore struggle to find answers to their questions about community resources. What a difference it would make if these people could simply dial 2-1-1 and talk to a trained and knowledgeable person with access to accurate information!
I am depressed. Where can I get counseling?
Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide counseling, mental health or substance abuse services in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties.
What if I need services from a county or area outside of Licking and Knox counties?
How Does 211/988 Crisis Hotline Work?
Dial 211 and you will receive the assistance of a trained professional in helping you to determine what referrals and what plan will meet your specific need.
How do I reach 211?
Simply dial 211. You may also dial 1-800-544-1601 if 211 is not available with your carrier. And, in Licking County, you can call 1-740-345 HELP (4357). You may also reach 211 by text. Simply text your Zip Code to 898211. Text messages are answered 24/7/365. Texting to Pathways 211 is only available in Athens, Crawford, Knox, Licking, Marion, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot Counties.
How long can I talk? How many people are there?
As long as you are working to develop a plan to address your needs, 211 staff will work with you. At times, problems can be overwhelming and require more than one phone call. Staff will invite you to call again at your convenience. There is always a minimum of two staff on shift.
Will 211 work from my cell/mobile phone?
211 will work with most cell phones in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Marion, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot counties. If you are unable to use 211 from your cell phone, please let us know. You can also reach 211 by dialing 1-800-544-1601 and in Licking County you can also dial (740) 345-HELP (4357). As with any other call you make on your cell phone, you will be charged for airtime. If you would like to reach a 211 that serves another county, 211 can provide you with that number or you can dial 1-888-OHIO-211 and enter the zip code of the community you are trying to reach. You can also visit 211.org to find 211s across the United States and Canada.
Can I call 211 from a phone where I work?
How is 211/988 Crisis Hotline funded and how can I donate?
211 is a service of Pathways of Central Ohio. This program is funded in part by Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties, United Way of Licking County, United Way of Knox County, United Way of Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, United Way of North Central Ohio, Pickaway County Public Health, Licking County Foundation, and Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation.
Pathway of Central Ohio’s programs are funded in part by
Ariel Foundation · Corporate and private donations · Energy Cooperative Round-Up Foundation · Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties · National Suicide Prevention Lifeline · Newark City Schools · Ohio 211 · Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services · Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration · The Crawford Marion Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board · The Licking County Foundation · The Pickaway County Health District · United Way of Licking County · United Way of North Central Ohio
Mailing Address
1627 Bryn Mawr Drive
Newark, Ohio 43055
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8am-4:30pm
Closed most holidays.
Phone
Fax: 740-349-9894
Ohio Relay: 800-750-0750
211/988 Crisis Hotline:
211, 988, or 800-544-1601
