MOUNT VERNON—Pathways of Central Ohio has launched a banner campaign in downtown Mount Vernon to promote 211 as the number to call to connect to local resources.

211 is the free, confidential community information and referral hotline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Services the trained, caring staff can refer callers to include:

Coping with stress/mental health. Coping with life crises can place added stress on individuals, marriages, and families. Pathways’ 211/988 Crisis Hotline can help callers find resources in the community that can help them and their families.

Senior Citizens. The crisis hotline can connect callers to resources that assist senior citizens with daily living, social activities, and meal programs.

Emergency Financial Assistance. Local nonprofits may be able to help with paying rent, working with mortgage vendors to restructure payments, or paying utility bills. Other organizations can provide food, clothing, and shelter.

Health care. The 211/988 Crisis Hotline can refer people to local health care resources. Programs can also assist individuals, couples, and families with purchasing prescriptions or obtaining health insurance.

Public Assistance. The 211/988 Crisis Hotline can connect callers to public assistance programs such as SNAP (food assistance) and Ohio Works First.

Addiction. Multiple programs in Knox County can provide outpatient counseling for those wanting to address their addiction or for those concerned about a loved one’s use. The 211/988 Crisis Hotline can provide referrals to those programs.

Residents who cannot dial 211 should call 800-544-1601 to reach the crisis hotline of Pathways. Speech—and hearing-impaired persons can reach the center by calling Ohio Relay Service at (800) 750-0750. The 211/988 Crisis Hotline can also help non-English-speaking callers.

About 211

Launched in Knox County in June 2008, 211 is an easy-to-remember, toll-free phone number that connects callers with local community services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality childcare, and more. The 211/988 Crisis Hotline answers over 3000 calls annually from Knox County.

211 provides critical information about evacuation routes, food, and shelter during a disaster. It is confidential and available 24 hours a day. It is also a participating center in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 or 1-800-273-TALK).  Residents can also text 211 by sending their zip code to 898211.

The 211/988 Crisis Hotline is a program of Pathways of Central Ohio. The Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties partially funds the program. It is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and nationally accredited by Inform USA. For more information, visit www.211pathways.com.