I like the end of the story when they think you need to know how to dial 211. Just in case you might not know how to dial 211 on a phone.:congrats:



211 Center takes first call
Lawton_There's a new way for Southwest Oklahomans to get help and it's just a phone call away after the United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill opened their new 211 call center on Friday.

The 211 call center follows in the footsteps of the nearly 30-year-old United Way Helpline, which served Lawton-Fort Sill exclusively. The 211 center expands that service through the rest of Comanche County and into nine other Southwest Oklahoma counties that previously weren't part of the network.

Lawton Mayor John Purcell placed the first call to the 211 call center, which was answered by 7NEWS anchor Jan Stratton.

"The intent is that if someone needs some kind of service we'll have a referral for that," said United Way Executive Director Eileen Jensen.

211 uses a comprehensive computerized database from over 400 public and non-profit health and human service organizations in Southwest Oklahoma. The operators at the center will help callers quickly get in touch with the organizations they need and provide them with the information they'll need once they get in touch with the agency.

"We know in our rural communities they are really excited because a lot of times there is no way for them to get help," said Edwina Reddick, the coordinator of 211. "With 211 access it'll be easy access to get the assistance they need."

To dial 211, it's simple. Just pick up your phone and dial 211. You can call 211 using your cell phone free of charge.