211 Maryland Call Center Network
211’s network of regional call centers connects Marylanders to essential resources throughout the state. When Marylanders dial 211, they are automatically routed to their regional call center for help.
Maryland Information Network is the state-authorized administrator of the 211 system in Maryland.
About the Network
Life Crisis Center, Mental Health Association of Frederick County, United Way of Central Maryland, and Community Crisis Services, Inc. have been part of the 211 Call Center Network since 211’s inception in Maryland.
The Mental Health Association of Frederick County (MHA) started its call center in 1985 and began operating 24/7/365 in 1990. Crisis Specialists offer crisis intervention, support and information and resource referrals.
The Mental Health Association works to ensure all Marylanders have access to high-quality behavioral healthcare. The call center is the hub of their crisis services, connecting Marylanders to resources and support.
Life Crisis Center operates a comprehensive call center that offers crisis intervention, emotional support, and information and referral services by phone, chat, and text.
The organization has provided crisis support in the community since 1976, starting as a volunteer-operated crisis hotline for sexual assault victims. The nonprofit has served the lower Eastern Shore for over 44 years as a call center and a safe place for healing for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
United Way Central Maryland (UWCM) played a pivotal role in developing and planning the 211 system, starting in 2000. The UWCM helpline, though, has origins that date back to 1962.
Information and Referral specialists help central Marylanders make connections to essential health and human services resources in Baltimore City and the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.
While not a crisis hotline, the staff is ASIST Certified, so they can identify callers who may be in crisis and/or having thoughts of suicide. They can manage the call, assess, and plan for safety.
For more than 50 years, Community Crisis Services, Inc. (CCSI) has provided call center services, and the organization became the first hotline in Maryland to be accredited by the American Association of Suicidology in the 1980s.
In addition to certification, CCSI offers compassionate crisis support and information and referral services to essential resources. They also support the community with safe shelter programs.
Training And Accreditation
Specialists are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and/or the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). CCSI also has an accreditation from the International Council for Helplines (ICH) and UWCM staff are ASIST certified.
211 is available to everyone
English and Spanish-speaking Information and Referral Specialists are available 24/7/365. Translation is also available in more than 150 languages.
If you are hearing impaired, call 711 to access 211 through Maryland Relay.
