History
The first 211 launched in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. As of April 2009, 211 serves over 240 million US citizens (more than 80% of the entire population) covering all or part of 46 states plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. The remaining states are all in various stages of planning and implementation.
In Canada, Toronto was the first to launch 211 in June 2002. Edmonton was second in the country and the first in Western Canada in September of 2004. Calgary followed quickly in January of 2005. 211 continues to expand across the county and currently more than 30% of Canada’s population has access to 211. Planning and implementation continues across the majority of provinces. A business plan for the Alberta Provincial 211 Initiative was completed in 2008. When implemented this plan will see access to 211 for everyone across Alberta.
The Support Network has offered an I&R service since 1960. Previous to 211 the I&R line handled approximately 12,000 calls per year. Within the first year of 211 operation the call volumes nearly tripled. Now approximately 40,000 calls per year are responded to.
To get in touch with 211 centres across Canada, visit this site: http://www.211canada.ca
Last updated: June 23, 2009