Warren County could revive 2-1-1 service

Catherine Myers, a Helplink 2-1-1 community outreach coordinator, answers phone calls this week in Dayton. BARRIE BARVER | STAFF

Catherine Myers, a Helplink 2-1-1 community outreach coordinator, answers phone calls this week in Dayton. BARRIE BARVER | STAFF

The Warren County Board of Commissioners have joined with efforts to bring back the 2-1-1 social-service telephone referral service offered in 67 other Ohio counties.

RELATED: Hotlines proposed for veterans, seniors in Dayton

Last year, the State of Ohio Controlling Board set aside $200,000 to expand 2-1-1 calling services to Warren and Clinton counties.

“This is a great program if we can sustain it,” Mike Bunner, director of emergency services said during a commission meeting Tuesday in Lebanon. “United Way can’t make any assurances past 2018.”

RELATED: Elder abuse reports to 2-1-1 in Clark, Champaign counties

Questions remain about whether the service should be brought back to the two counties where it was canceled about five years ago due to funding questions.

Also complicating the proposed expansion is a similar information and referral service recently started up in Warren County.

The commissioners agreed Tuesday to submit a letter of support to the process undertaken by United Way of Ohio to expand the service.

About the Author