Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Have you ever heard of Florida 211? It's a free, confidential helpline that connects Floridians to all sorts of resources, including “social services, food, housing, utilities payment assistance, health care, transportation, child care, employment opportunities, mental health crises, disaster information and assistance, and more” according to fl211.org. It provides 24/7 access to human services, navigation assistance and communication with trained specialists.
Florida 211 is comprised of 11 nationally accredited centers across the state. 211 Big Bend is the center for Jefferson County, which also covers the area of Madison, Taylor, Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Liberty and Franklin counties. Through their collaborative approach, they work “to provide assessment, emotional support, crisis assistance, education, training and referrals with accurate, up-to-date resource info.”
“Just as you would call 911 for emergencies, you can call 211 for human service information and assistance. We are available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information and referrals. You do not have to be in crisis to call, there is no eligibility criteria, and our services are free. They help you navigate through the maze of community services in a nonjudgmental manner. Because life is 24/7, so are we!” states 211bigbend.org.
Some common services provided include assistance with veteran services, locating a mental health professional, family health, HIV/AIDS referrals and information, healthy child development, counseling, resource directories and more.
How do you contact 211 Big Bend? Simply dial 211 or 850-617-6333 or text your zip code to 898211. For urgent mental health crises, dial 988 instead. If your situation is an emergency, call 911.
For more information on Florida 211 resources available in your area, visit fl211.org and 211bigbend.org.