LEWISTON – Feb. 7 marked the one-year anniversary for 2-1-1 Maine, the comprehensive link to Maine’s health and human services.

Have you ever wondered how to find services when you or someone you know needs help? Do you know where you turn when you want to reach out and help by volunteering or donating? In times of disaster or emergency, do you know where to call to receive updates or bulletins? The answer to all of these questions is 2-1-1 Maine.

2-1-1 is quick, free and easy to use. We all know to dial 9-1-1 for medical and health emergencies. We also know to dial 4-1-1 for directory assistance. And now, finding heath and human services information and resources is as quick and easy as dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211maine.org.

Since its inception, Androscoggin County residents have placed more than 1,500 calls to 2-1-1 Maine, inquiring predominantly about housing and shelter, legal services, temporary financial assistant, metal health services, substance abuse services and food and other basic needs.

Locally, Angela Coombs serves as the 2-1-1 resource coordinator, with United Way of Androscoggin County, working to identify appropriate health and human service resources in the community.

2-1-1 Maine is a nonprofit organization formed in partnership with United Ways of Maine, Ingraham and the state to develop a health and human services information and referral service system to serve the state, every day and in times of crisis.

The mission of United Way of Androscoggin County is to increase the organized capacity of people in Androscoggin County to care for one another. In 2006, United Way of Androscoggin County funded more than 50 programs at 30 local agencies that served more than 30,000 people in the county. For more information, visit www.unitedwayandro.org.

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