Donate Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Carol Loftur-Thun, 703-516-6777
Marshall Ellis, 703-516-6768
Act Today to Keep 2-1-1 Available Statewide & Increase Access to 24/7
As CrisisLink prepares to launch 2-1-1 service for Northern Virginia to make 2-1-1 VIRGINIA available statewide for the first time, we need your help making sure legislators in Richmond provide funding needed for full year operation of Northern Virginia 2-1-1 and 24/7 access to 2-1-1 statewide.
2-1-1 VIRGINIA streamlines access to health and human services by providing a single, comprehensive, easy to access way for Virginians to find help and information on nonprofit, faith-based, and government programs--from a day program for your aging parent to mental health services for your teenager. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can also play a critical role during and after natural disasters or other emergencies by connecting residents with up-to-date, accurate information for those seeking shelter, information on road closures, and other critical information.
Your action today is critical to make sure legislators in Richmond support funding for 2-1-1 statewide and 24/7 for all Virginians.
Please take a moment to call or e-mail your legislators in Richmond to urge their support of House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s.
Please help us keep 2-1-1 available to all Virginians statewide and make 2-1-1 accessible 24/7!
Find contact information for your legislators here.
Find out more about 2-1-1 VIRGINIA here.
Use the Following Talking Points When Calling/E-mailing Your Legislators.
Please let us know how your legislators feel about your calls/e-mails by e-mailing us or calling 703-527-6603.
- Funds from House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s will be used to expand 2-1-1 VIRGINIA to 24/7 coverage statewide and fund a full year of 2-1-1 center operations in Northern Virginia.
- With statewide coverage, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can pursue partnerships with local, state, and federal organizations and seek additional funding to support 2-1-1 statewide.
- With 24/7 coverage, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can become a critical part of local, regional, and statewide emergency preparedness plans, as well as local mental health systems.
- Nationally, 2-1-1 has proved to be a critical resource in disaster response during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and most recently during the wild fires in San Diego.
- For 2-1-1 VIRGINIA to assist during times of disaster and emergencies in the Commonwealth, the program needs to expand its hours of service to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, a 24/7 operation is required for five of the six regional centers to maintain national accreditation.
Your action is critical to ensuring legislators in Richmond understand the importance of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA being available statewide and 24/7.
Please take a moment to call or e-mail your legislators in Richmond to urge their support of House Budget Amendment 346 #5h and Senate Budget Amendment 346 #1s.
Thank you!
CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies, giving vital support to those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide, and provides information, education and links to community resources to empower people to help themselves. Since 1969, CrisisLink has answered more than half a million crisis calls, responded to over 20,000 potential suicides, and provided more than a quarter million referrals.
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