Prairie Public Broadcasting

New Athens County line for emergency care ATHENS, OH (WOUB) - The head of Athens County's 9-1-1 program says the new 2-1-1 program is making life easier for his emergency dispatchers.

Doug Bentley says fewer people are dialing 9-1-1 with NON-emergency calls.

Snow storm related calls, for example.

"Get Connected, Get Answers" is the slogan for United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1, which launched on February 11th.

Pam Harvey is Executive Director of the United Appeal for Athens County.

"Athens County is funding 2-1-1 through donations to United Appeal for Athens County and also through grants," she says. "For example, United Appeal submitted a grant to the Athens Foundation."

Harvey says "snow emergency levels" topped the list of calls to 2-1-1.

"Comprehensive Information and Referral" was number two.

"If you are someone in need of hospice service or any other kind of healthcare service, you can call," Harvey says. "You can call if you need help with emergency food services. All kinds of things - either to get help or give help - you can call 2-1-1."

"Food pantries" is number three, followed by "rent payment assistance" and "community medical clinics and dental care."

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