Local United Ways to Celebrate Mass2-1-1 Day

Do you need information about food pantry locations, childcare options, or other community resources? Just dial 2-1-1 and a referral specialist will assist you in finding help. In Massachusetts, the 2-1-1 system is funded by the 16 local United Ways and on Feb. 11, also recognized as Mass2-1-1 Day, Berkshire United Way and Northern Berkshire United Way will join partners from across the Commonwealth to raise awareness of this important public service.

According to a press release from the Berkshire United Way, this year’s celebration will be held virtually at 2:11 p.m. on Thursday and members of the public are invited to attend by following this link: http://bit.ly/211dayma (meeting ID: 972 0171 7774; passcode: 257168).

The event will feature several notable attendees and longtime supporters of Mass2-1-1, and a special video submission from Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito’s office will proclaim Feb. 11, 2021 as 2-1-1 Day across the Commonwealth. More information about the event can be found on BUW and NBUW Facebook pages.

Mass2-1-1 is an important resource for Berkshire County. During the pandemic, when many of our nonprofits were overextended and pivoting to provide virtual services, Mass2-1-1 assisted thousands of residents with up-to-date information about where to go to receive help… Many callers were concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure and needed clear guidance about what to do and how to keep their families safe. Mass2-1-1 had an epidemiologist available around the clock to answer public health questions and ensure callers were given appropriate advice about where and when to seek medical care or testing services. ~ Candace Winkler, president and CEO of Berkshire United Way

Christa Collier, Northern Berkshire United Way executive director, says they were quick to help…

When our United Ways learned that the call centers were fielding a significant increase in calls dues to the pandemic, we were quick to help with an additional grant from our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

In Berkshire County, from Jan. 1, 2020 to present, Mass2-1-1 operators responded to 3,076 service requests with most of the calls, a total of 1,396, for healthcare and COVID-19 related needs.

Learn more about Mass2-1-1 on the BUW and NBUW websites.