On February 13, 2-1-1 advocates rallied in Washington D.C. in support of “The Calling for 211 Act.” 

2-1-1 is an easy to remember three-digit dialing system that replaces the maze of 1-800 hotlines and makes it easy for individuals and families to find the health and human services they need. 2-1-1 systems on the Gulf Coast have been praised for the handling of emergency calls when 9-1-1 call centers went down during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

United States Senators Hilary Rodham Clinton and Elizabeth Dole emphasized the introduction of “The Calling for 2-1-1 Act” in both the Senate (S. 211) and the House of Representatives (H.R. 211) and called for its passage.  Brian Gallagher - United Way of  America President/ CEO and Rodney Slater - former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and current United Way of America Board of Trustees Chair, along with other federal and United Way leaders, also attended the Capitol Hill event in support of the 211 initiative.

The "Calling for 2-1-1 Act" would increase the availability of 2-1-1 by providing critical financial support to help states launch and operate 2-1-1 services.  The legislation would dedicate $700 million to expanding the hotline in communities nationwide.

"We've been working on this for quite some time, and we're going to get it done," said Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., lead sponsor of the "Calling for 2-1-1 Act," during a news conference broadcast by telephone.

Co-sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., Clinton's bill provides $150 million in matching grants for each of the first two years, then $100 million for the next four to set up and run local 2-1-1 systems.

“Not only is 2-1-1 an easy way for people to get help in everyday crises, Clinton said, the service has proved its worth as a national response system in times of disaster, helping victims of Hurricane Katrina and those affected by the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001,” added Clinton, "This to me is a truly unique American partnership that helps people cut through the tape and be there for each other,"

Current NOPD Crisis Coordinator, Cecile Tebo also endorsed the use of 2-1-1. 

“I think that 211 has been the most critically, important mental health program in the Greater New Orleans area. With so much turmoil, nobody really knows where to go to receive mental health help and fortunately has the resources of 2-1-1 to lead them to a place of help. 211 is the mental health hub and pulse of this area.......their services which include quick and easy access, informative information and compassion has been instrumental in saving the sanity and lives of many who are struggling to find their way through this mess!” said Tebo.