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Governor Quinn Signs 2-1-1 Service Act at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
Governor Pat Quinn signs the 2-1-1 Act on August 21.
On August 21 at a press conference at the United Way offices, Governor Pat Quinn signed the 2-1-1 Service Act to advance the development and implementation of a health and human services help line for the people of Illinois.
"People united cannot be defeated," Governor Quinn said to dozens of United Way employees and other 2-1-1 supporters at the bill-signing. "We believe in community and we believe in United Way. To all those who give to United Way, whether it be money or time, you've done more than pay your rent in service."
The Governor also called the bill important for public safety and for health and human services accessibility and he thanked United Way for leading the charge to bring 2-1-1 to Illinois.
"This service will provide easy access to health and human services for residents when they need them, and where they need them," said Jack Kaplan, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for United Way of Illinois. "It represents a unique collaboration between the business, government and nonprofit sectors. It's also a great example of LIVING UNITED because we are achieving things together that none of us could have done alone."
The 2-1-1 Service Act allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to identify a lead organization to plan and implement the statewide information and referral system for health and human services. It is anticipated that the 2-1-1 line will be active across the state by early 2010.
With the support of United Way, Illinois began operating the first 2-1-1 call centers in February of 2009. They are currently active in 13 counties as pilot programs in conjunction with the United Way of McLean County, the United Way of the Quad Cities and the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
The hotline will be a 24-hour, one-stop telephone number that will connect citizens to a variety of social services. As 9-1-1 is the phone number to call in case of emergencies, 2-1-1 provides an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with vital community services, disaster response and relief and volunteer opportunities.
SB 1922, sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) and House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), passed unanimously in both chambers.
"2-1-1 allows people to give help and get help," said Greg Cott, President of United Way of McLean County and Treasurer of United Way of Illinois. "I thank Senator Garrett, Representative Cross and Governor Quinn for working to make statewide 2-1-1 a reality."
Click here for photos of the bill signing and press conference.
Click here to listen to the Governor's speech.
Click here to view the bill: SB 1922- The 2-1-1 Service Act.