For Immediate Release

Contact Information:

Insert local contact on letterhead

-or-

Stephen Webster

Tel 608.246.8272

uww@unitedwaywi.org

2-1-1 Wisconsin Formed TO HELP PEOPLE FIND AND GIVE HELP

September 16, 2003 Madison, Wisconsin.

Community leaders from around the state met Monday at the offices of the United Way of Dane County today to announce the formation of 2-1-1 Wisconsin. 2-1-1 Wisconsin is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the easy-to-remember three digit dialing code, 2-1-1, for giving and getting help on health and human services. President Mike Davis, Milwaukee, announced that 2-1-1 Wisconsin filed a petition today with the public Service Commission to propose a statewide plan for statewide implementation of 2-1-1.

2-1-1 connects people to physical and mental health resources, as well as volunteer opportunities, in their community. 2-1-1 is confidential and available 24 hours, 7 days a week. In Wisconsin there are currently four areas served by 2-1-1 -- Dane, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha Counties – and a petition has recently been approved for a nine county area to be serviced by La Crosse in the near future. The experience of these areas proves that an easily accessible number increases utilization and effectiveness. The Federal Communications Commission assigned the abbreviated phone number 2-1-1 for the sole purpose of community information and referral on July 21, 2000. Currently 23% of Americans have access to 2-1-1 service across the country.

The State of Wisconsin Division of Health, recognizing the need for easily accessible information on public health and bioterrorism preparedness, secured federal grants to support 2-1-1 implementation in Wisconsin. The system is expected to be fully operational by April 2004.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2003 a bipartisan group of legislators led by Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) will announce the Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003, legislation intended to promote 2-1-1 nationally and providing up to $200 million annually to assist states with implementing and sustaining 2-1-1 on a statewide basis. For more information visit 2-1-1.org

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