In late August, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Michigan), Scott Dzurka (President & CEO, Michigan Association of United Ways), and Ingham County Commissioner Don Vickers held a press conference to discuss the importance of securing federal funding for 2-1-1 call service and the positive impact the program is having in Michigan.

United Ways around the country are working to secure federal funding for the 2-1-1 call service. 2-1-1- is an information and referral line that connects people to vital social services provided by a range of nonprofit and government agencies. When a person calls 2-1-1, specially-trained information and referral personnel analyze what services are needed and provide the appropriate resource and related information. Currently 2-1-1 is available to 80 percent of the U.S. population, with 236 active 2-1-1 call centers in 46 states. In Michigan, 2-1-1 is available to more than 80 percent of the state. Federal funding and support allows every state to fund a 2-1-1 program and would provide 100 percent coverage for the Michigan.

View Scott Dzurka's talk here.
View Congressman Rogers talk here.
View a sound byte from Sherry Miller, Director of MI 2-1-1 here.

Congressman Mike Rogers speaking at the Calling for 2-1-1 Press Conference, August 31, 2010.

Sherry Miller, Director of MI 2-1-1 updating Congressman Rogers on 2-1-1 in Michigan