Title
Special recognition of 2-1-1 Day in Lake County.
Body
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, United Way of Lake County has been dedicated to serving children and families in our communities for more than 100 years; and
WHEREAS, the critical service 211 Lake County, which was launched by United Way of Lake County on September 24, 2019, is open and available for everyone across Lake County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, 211 is a free, confidential, easy-to-remember, one-stop helpline that connects people in need to a wide range of essential health and human services, and reduces non-emergency calls to 911; and
WHEREAS, 211 enables the people of Lake County to get connected to help 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by phone, text and online, regardless of the language they speak or where they live; and
WHEREAS, 211 expert navigators are trained specialists who will listen, identify underlying problems, and guide people to available resources; and
WHEREAS, since launch, 211 has made nearly 200,000 connections to help from every zip code in Lake County, mostly for help with housing and shelter, rent and utility assistance, mental health and addictions, food, and healthcare; and
WHEREAS, 211 team members compassionately answer calls and texts every day and during times of crisis-211 has been a critical partner in responding to the Highland Park mass parade shooting and continues to support those impacted by the tragedy offering invaluable assistance connecting community members to essential services; and
WHEREAS, 211 is now available to 99% of America’s population, and Lake County has led the way as a model to bring 211 services to all Illinois communities so that every person in Illinois has access to quality information, resources and assistance for addressing health and human service needs; and
WHEREAS, Lake County government is a key community partner committed to raising awareness of 211 and has provided financial support to ensure this service can be used by Lake County residents and visitors for years to come; and
WHEREAS, daily, 211 provides vital information and referrals to individuals and families in our community to improve and save lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that the Lake County Board hereby proclaims February 11, 2023, as 211 Day in Lake County and encourages everyone to know about 211 and spread the word that help is only one call, text or click away.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois on February 21, 2023.