"What does 2-1-1 mean for Maine?" Baldacci asked the crowd at the Senator Inn, Augusta. "It means that individuals will have an easy and efficient link to health and social services; it means that we have an effective statewide planning tool, to better track gaps in service; and it means that we have the infrastructure in place to support and communicate with our state in times of local, state and national emergencies."
Baldacci demonstrated the use of 2-1-1 by placing the first statewide call for help, asking the operator about after school activities for his son and about volunteer efforts in and around the Augusta area.
Maine is the 15th state to offer 2-1-1 service to the entire state and the 7th state to offer that service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to a release from the Governor's Office.
2-1-1 was launched in Cumberland and Washington Counties in February. Maine's 2-1-1 is a public, private partnership with the State of Maine, the United Way and various other non-profit and community partners.
