Celebrate the Power of Partnerships

Together with state and nonprofit partnerships, the capacity of 211 is leveraged statewide to connect more Marylanders to essential resources.

BALTIMORE – 211 Maryland, the State’s central connector to health and human service resources, is celebrating National 211 Day on February 11, 2022. From hello to help, 211 call specialists connected more than 499,000 Marylanders in Fiscal Year 2021 and the reach continues to grow through powerful new partnerships and programs.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is moving from a single system of care to a holistic approach that responds to the continuously changing needs of Marylanders.

Several partners leverage 211’s capacity and infrastructure to support ongoing and immediate mental health needs; inform residents before, during and after public health and safety emergencies; and connect caregivers to resources.

“211 Maryland is innovative in its approach to human service delivery, collaborating with partner organizations and breaking down silos to provide Marylanders with access to the services they need,” explained Quinton Askew, president and CEO of 211 Maryland.

In Fiscal Year 2021, 211 connected more than 499,000 Marylanders by phone, text and web chat. The free and confidential service provides Marylanders with resources for essential needs such as housing, food, health care and mental health support.

There was a 40-percent increase in housing-related calls.

Suicide and crisis calls were also top needs along with requests for utility assistance.

“The 211 Maryland system is stronger when we all work together. No matter if accessing our robust database of human service resources or tapping into the expertise of our professionally trained call center network, nonprofit, healthcare and government partners are leveraging the power of the 2-1-1 system,” explained Quinton Askew, 211 Maryland president and CEO.

The 211 system is moving beyond a single system of care to a more holistic approach to health and human service delivery.

211 Health Check

As needs evolve, 211 Maryland leverages state partnerships to provide immediate resources to Marylanders.

When mental health concerns rose during the pandemic, the Maryland General Assembly created the Thomas Bloom Raskin Act/211 Health Check with the passage of Senate Bill 719/House Bill 812.

In partnership with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), 211 Maryland launched 211 Health Check.

Caring and compassionate 211 specialists check-in with Marylanders weekly to prevent suicide.

The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act was named in honor of Tommy Raskin, who died by suicide. He is the son of Congressman Jamie Raskin.

“With the launching of this new, innovative approach by 211 Maryland, we have the ability to save lives. This type of partnership is an example of government partnering to help people,” explained Senator Craig Zucker.

Connecting Older Adults

Maryland Access Point (MAP) is the state’s longstanding website and database providing a single-point-of-entry system for accessing aging and disability information. 211 Maryland developed a new way to connect with older adults through text messages. Consumers can text MDAging to 898-211 (TXT-211) to receive alerts, tips and resources.

211 Maryland offers two text message alert programs which provide region-specific resource information or provide disaster alerts. Text STOP to the same number to unsubscribe. Full SMS terms at https://211md.org/sms/ will also apply.

MAP also integrated with 211 Maryland’s website and 24/7 call center network.

“The Maryland Department of Aging and 211 Maryland’s existing partnership allows both of our agencies to expand our reach and bring information about long-term services and supports to those who need them. This improvement will make our services more readily and conveniently available.”

Rona E. Kramer
Secretary, Maryland Department of Aging

Keeping Maryland Informed

More than 205,000 Marylanders get mobile alerts when there’s a public health or safety emergency. Utilizing 211’s texting platform, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) informs #MdReady text subscribers in English and Spanish.

Other Partnerships

211 Maryland also partners with the Maryland Department of Human Services to support operational capacity and seamless coordination for kinship caregivers needing local resources to support individuals under their care.

Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans uses 211’s texting platform to provide updates and resources to veterans throughout the state.

Let’s partner!

About 211 Maryland

211 Maryland is the central connector to health and human services for the State of Maryland, lifting up individuals and communities by linking those with unmet needs to essential resources. As the 24/7/365 access point to vital resources that help individuals and communities thrive, 211 Maryland connects those in need through call center, website, text, and chat to support services for natural and man-made disasters, housing, food, domestic violence, aging and disabilities, tax and utilities, employment, healthcare access, and veterans’ affairs.

211 Maryland is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3). To donate, please visit www.211md.org/donate.

The Maryland Information Network was incorporated in 2010 but was doing business as 211 Maryland until 2022.

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