1998 –Atlanta, Georgia, became the first community in the United States to implement a 2-1-1 information and referral line. Connecticut was the first to launch a statewide 2-1-1 system with a single call center serving the entire state.

2000 –A National 2-1-1 Collaborative, led by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and United Way of America, successfully petitioned the FCC to designate 2-1-1 as the number to call for human services information and referral, and opportunities for civic involvement.

2001 –The Kentucky Public Service Commission designated United Way of Kentucky as the lead agency for the statewide implementation of 2-1-1.

2002 –The 107^th United States Congress recognized the importance of 2-1-1 by including it as an allowable use of funding in the bio-terrorism preparedness legislation.

2003 –The Kentucky 2-1-1 Steering Committee was convened and held its first meeting in September to create a statewide 2-1-1 vision and bring it to life.

The “Calling For 2-1-1 Act” was introduced in September by Senate co-sponsors Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and House co-sponsors, Richard Burr (R-NC) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA). The Senate bill (S1630) and the House bill (HR 3111) have broad bipartisan co-sponsorship. If passed, the legislation will direct $200 million to the States for the implementation of 2-1-1 (with a required 50% state match).

2004 –2-1-1 Resolutions - SR 144 passed the KY Senate and HR 188 and HR 189 were passed in the Kentucky House of Representatives. The resolutions confirm the  endorsement of 2-1-1 among Kentucky policy makers, and call upon our federal delegation to sign onto the “Calling for 2-1-1 Act” in Congress.

2005 -- February 11, 2005 was declared as National 2-1-1 Day by United Way of America.  1.888.PASS.211 was reactivated during the entire month of February for individuals to call their U.S. senators and representatives to support S.211 and H.R. 896.

Currently, thirty-seven percent (approximately 107 million people) of the US population has access to 2-1-1.  Yet, millions of Americans still need to be connected.

To learn more, click on any of the areas in the menu to the left, or contact Terry Tolan of United Way of Kentucky.