211 Day is February 11, 2021!
It’s a chance to reflect on how 211 Alberta, an initiative of United Way, continues to help Albertans find the right resource for whatever issue they need support with, at the right time.
During the past year, 211 Alberta received:
- More than 120,000 website visits
- 6600+ text inquiries
- Close to 3400 live chats
- Nearly 85,000 calls
Those include connections to 211 made between Feb. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021. Overall, 211 received nearly double the number of connections compared to the year prior!
2020 is the first year 211 Alberta’s phone, text, and chat services became available province-wide.
This further expands the reach of free resource which got its start in Alberta back in 2004. That year it launched in the Edmonton area and in Calgary in 2005. The website along with live online chat and texting functions soon followed and finally in the summer of 2020 the phone service became available all across Alberta.
Unlike any other year since 211 Alberta started operating, 2020 presented the unprecedented crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, which impacted all Albertans. Due to COVID-19, 211 Alberta saw a surge in contacts related to health care-related challenges and questions.
Top five topics most asked about, across text, live chat and our phone lines:
- Information Services
Programs that provide for the collection, classification, storage, retrieval and dissemination of recorded knowledge for the community. Included are electronic information resources, information and referral programs, information lines, library services, media services, public awareness/education campaigns, research data and rumour control activities.
- Health Supportive Services
Programs that provide equipment, information, social services or other forms of support which supplement the treatment or habilitation of people who have illnesses, injuries or disabilities or facilitate their ability to function. Included are blood banking services and other anatomical specimen banks, assistive technology equipment and services, medical equipment and supplies, health care referrals, health insurance, pharmacy services, prescription medication support services and health education information which may be instrumental in the prevention of illnesses, injuries or disabilities prior to their occurrence, teach people to provide emergency first aid or help people make informed decisions about health care.
- Housing/Shelter
Programs that seek to meet the basic shelter needs of the community by providing temporary shelter for people who are in emergency situations, home improvement programs, housing location assistance and a variety of housing alternatives.
- Mental Health Assessment and Treatment
Programs that provide diagnostic and treatment services for individuals whose psychiatric problems or other emotional difficulties are not severe enough to require 24-hour care but who can benefit from regular consultation and therapy with a mental health professional.
- Temporary Financial Assistance
Programs that provide assistance for people who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis and have insufficient resources to obtain essential services or to meet expenses in situations where financial assistance related to their specific circumstance is unavailable. Monetary assistance may be in the form of immediate cash, loans, cheques or vouchers.
211 Alberta was uniquely positioned to help provide COVID-19 information and resources for residents. A special webpage was created and continues to be maintained to help address the emerging and on-going needs of Albertans.
Into 2021, 211 Alberta remains committed to meeting residents where they’re at and whatever their individual needs are. It’s a privilege to connect with people when they’re seeking assistance.
Thank you for reaching out and entrusting us with your concerns.
