OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Collaborative seeks applicants to expand the state’s 2-1-1 system to 20 new counties in north central and northwestern Oklahoma. The counties to be covered are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Major, Noble, Osage (partial), Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.
Oklahoma 2-1-1 call centers currently provide free, 24-hour telephone information and referral services to Ada, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Bartlesville, Lawton and surrounding areas.
The centers will connect people in need with health and human service agencies and programs that can provide assistance in their areas. Two local project providers will be awarded for the entire 20-county geographic area. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to make the transition to a 2-1-1 system and be a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization. Call centers provide information and referral service to callers without charging a fee. Applicants must operate according to AIRS Standards.
The five call centers currently operating cover 58 counties. More than 90 percent of the state’s population has access to 2-1-1. The goal is to have complete statewide coverage with these additional two call centers.
Through HB 1243, the Oklahoma Legislature provided funds to establish 2-1-1 call centers in the state. The Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Collaborative designates the agency that will operate the 2-1-1 call centers. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services administers the grant funds to the centers that are selected by the 2-1-1 Advisory Collaborative. The award amount of $65,000 is available to no more than two 2-1-1 call centers, covering these 20 counties.
For information or an application, contact Carrie Wiggs, Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Collaborative at (918) 430-2428 or by e-mail at Carrie.Wiggs@OKDHS.org
Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, at OKDHS – Oklahoma 2-1-1 Collaborative, 3666 N. Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74106. Applications received after 4 p.m. Aug. 1, will not be considered for funding. Funds for the new grants will be available from Sept. 1 through June 30, 2008. The call center must be “live” and operational by April 1, 2008.
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