2-1-1 In Washington

History

In May 1997, United Way of Atlanta created the concept of using 2-1-1 as a dialing code to access information and referral services. In 1998 a group of information and referral programs, local United Ways, human service providers and interested citizens began meeting to discuss how to bring 2-1-1 to Washington State. After almost three years of active discussion the group determined they needed a more formal structure to coordinate the development of a state 2-1-1 system.

The Washington Information Network 2-1-1 (WIN 211) – a coalition of existing local providers of information and referral services and local United Ways from every region of the state – was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Washington in August 2001and was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in April 2002. With this recognition, WIN 211 was able to secure funding from United Ways of Washington and United Way of King County to actively support 2-1-1 planning and development across Washington.

                          

On April 15, 2003, the Washington state legislature passed ESHB 1787 in support of the creation of a 2-1-1 system for the state and gave specific leadership responsibilities to WIN 211.

This legislation:

  • Adopts 2-1-1 as the official state number for people to call for information and referral for health and human services and to get information about accessing services after a natural or non-natural disaster;
  • Directs WIN 2-1-1 to study, design, implement, and support a statewide 2-1-1 system;
  • Authorizes WIN 211 to select and approve local 2-1-1 service providers based on criteria that reflect the ability to meet national standards, organizational viability, support from their community, and partnerships with other providers;
  • Creates a designated account in the state budget in anticipation of the future availability of federal or state funds to support the system;
  • Directs state agencies and departments to consult with WIN 211 about using the 2-1-1 system before creating any new public information telephone line or hotline for accessing health and human services information.

 

Business Plans



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