211 MD FAQs

211 Maryland is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that connects Marylanders with unmet needs to essential health and human services resources throughout the state. We utilize nationally accredited call centers and certified resource and Crisis Specialists for call, text and chat services.

We can support partner organizations with follow-up services that focus on closed-loop referral and outcome-oriented data gathering. Our data dashboards provide insight on unmet needs in segmented demographics to support strategic decision-making. Call us at 443-721-3860 for more information.

We are also a disaster response partner, providing push-alerts with valuable and factual information before, during and after emergency situations like a natural disaster or public health and safety threat.

English and Spanish-speaking resources are available 24/7/365. Translation is available in 150+ languages.

Call center staff are certified and program accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). Both are national, professional organizations.

Information and Referral Specialists are also educated and experienced in health and human services resources. They have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, human services, counseling or related fields, plus at least one year of experience.

211 can serve as the central connector for the following essential health and human services needs:

• Food
• Housing
• Emergency shelter
• Utility assistance
• Financial assistance
• Substance abuse
• Mental health
• Suicide and crisis intervention
• Healthcare
• Children and families (childcare, parenting support, supplies and clothing, school readiness)
• Tax information and preparation assistance
• Aging and disability
• Legal services
• Domestic violence, shelter and support
• Employment
• Veterans
• Transportation

211 is a 24/7/365 central connector for unmet needs.

211, Press 1 immediately connects callers to a specialist trained in suicide prevention, opioid misuse intervention and mental health assistance. This service is also available 24/7/365.

Established through state legislation, 211 Maryland oversees and maintains an information and referral service network available to all Maryland residents. To connect Marylanders in all regions of the state, we rely on a network of call centers. The United Way of Central Maryland provides coverage for one area of the state. 211 Maryland utilizes other strategically placed call centers to reach Marylanders in all regions of the state.

The comprehensive database of more than 7,000 statewide resources is updated at least once a year, and often more frequently. We rely on our yearly verification, update from agencies, and feedback from callers to connect Marylanders with the best resources for their location and the latest program qualifications at the time of their need.

As the central connector for Maryland, we welcome new organizations to our database. We accept requests from the following nonprofit and for-profit groups:

• Nonprofit and critical for-profit organizations and governmental agencies and officials providing health, social service, educational, library, employment, legal, recreational and other human services.
• Nonprofit organizations, such as religious groups, social clubs and community associations, that offer services to the community at large, not just to their own members.
• Nonprofit self-help support groups (a “self-help group” is a voluntary gathering of people who share a similar problem, condition or history).
• Nonprofit and critical for-profit, multi-state or national organizations not located in Maryland that provide health and human services to Maryland residents.
• Nonprofit organizations that advocate for human services programs and policies that support a healthful environment.

For more information and to start the application process, go to 211MD.org/Partner.

211 Maryland can provide insight to your organization by linking you to the most comprehensive unmet needs data set in the state of Maryland. It can pinpoint contributing and catalyzing factors that lead to underserved needs, segmented by geography and demography.

We offer both current and historical data to inform your decision-making on resource allocation, program development and budgeting efforts.

This data can pinpoint contributing and catalyzing factors that lead to underserved needs, and we can segment information by geography and demography.

We also offer 24/7/365 outsourced, professional call, text and web chat services using established best practice methods and reporting. 211 Maryland can serve as a central connector for your clients to essential health and human services in Maryland.

If you need customized push-alert texting, 211 Maryland has a platform available for use. It helps organizations connect on-demand with their audiences.

For more information, email [email protected]

Yes. Our expert speakers are available to discuss the following, among other topics:

• Best practices in addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
• Building and adopting a Community Information Exchange (CIE) to enable person-centered care.
• Using data and collaboration tools to improve health indicators, quality of life and address inequities.
• Leveraging technology to improve individual and community well-being.
• Using data to identify and improve unmet community needs and patient outcomes.
• Engaging strategic community partners to achieve outcome-oriented solutions.

Thank you for spreading the word! We have a free toolkit, including outreach cards, to assist your organization with client connections. Download the tools now.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, 211 Maryland relies on funding from several sources, including the public and private sectors. Get more information on funding opportunities, donate, or connect with 211 Maryland to learn more about the ways you can support the organization’s mission.

Yes. 211 Maryland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donate today.

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: Quinton Askew, CEO and president, at 443-721-3860
• Mail: 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 334, Columbia, MD 21046