Since the devastating hurricanes in 2005, we've all learned that we must improve disaster preparation and response.
When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi, tens of thousands of people were without food, shelter and emergency services. Some Gulf Coast communities were more prepared to respond to citizens - not because they were above sea level or outside the hurricane itself, but because they had 211. This three-digit dialing code connects citizens seeking critical services or volunteer opportunities with appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
Louisiana's 211 system was established in 2003, and when Katrina struck in September 2005, 211 was invaluable in the state's response and recovery process, assisting those still in the area.
Mississippi, however, didn't have 211 when Hurricane Katrina hit. Victims had to call one of more than 200 agencies to access help. With little information about where to go, many victims called 911 with questions, tremendously straining the emergency response system. This meant many with true emergencies couldn't receive help quickly.
"We didn't have a system in place," said Carol Burger, president and CEO of the United Way in Jackson, Miss. "We failed two populations: people who needed the help and people who wanted to help."
Mississippi finally established 211 in July 2006.
When not serving as a disaster response channel, 211 facilitates access to day-to-day public services, such as food pantries, child-care centers, medical information lines, health insurance programs, job training, transportation assistance, adult day care, home health care, protective services and donation centers. It's also a repository for community volunteer opportunities.
President Bush's 2007 fiscal plan called for an additional $2.3 billion for emergency response preparedness programs. To maximize these programs, communities need to know they exist.
More than 65 percent of Americans can access 211, with more systems starting each month. Yet millions still, without 211, are uninformed and lacking access to needed services. 211 systems have simplified processes and connected people with community services efficiently and cost-effectively. Millions more Americans deserve to benefit from their communities' greater services and to learn how to get help on their own.
This year, Congress reintroduced legislation to authorize federal funding to help create nationwide 211 access. The Calling for 211 Act, which enjoys broad bipartisan support, deserves national attention now.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center projected a 75 percent likelihood that the current Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal. With the widespread devastation that lingers after Hurricane Katrina, it's incomprehensible that a service of such proven value doesn't exist nationwide. The $150 million needed to fund national 211 is a small investment compared to the more than $62 billion the federal government approved for Hurricane Katrina relief funding.
During crises, finding help should be easy. If these disasters don't compel change, what will? Now's the time to act. I urge you to first call 211 to see if you can access the service and become familiar with the aid it offers - and to contact your congressperson to support national passage of 211 by dialing 1-888-PASS 211 (1-888-727-7211).
Brian A. Gallagher is president and CEO of the United Way of America.
