- April 19, 2024
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Agencies will be able to keep their information up to date.
The expanded website recently announced by United Way Volusia/Flagler, 211live.org, will be a tremendous help, according to Marianne Van. She should know, she’s been answering phone calls to the 211 line for 10 years, where people call to find the social services they need.
“Some people need information, but don’t want to talk about it,” she said. “Some people are independent.”
She said some have abused substances and don’t want to talk to even friends or family about it, much less a stranger over the phone. Now, they can find a source for help on the website.
The website has listed area social services since 2007, but now has been revised to include more services and is more user-friendly, according to agency officials.
The expanded database includes services for diabetes, aging, disability, hospice, hospital care, smoking cessation and mental health; and information about support groups, medical equipment, prescription and even such things as farmers markets, schools and parks and recreation.
One of the more helpful changes, according to Ray Salazar, executive director of United Way, is that agencies will be able to update their information on the website. Out-of-date information has always been a problem with lists of services.
“Human services change all the time,” agreed Van.
Another advantage to the site, Van said, is that it will provide an overall list for someone new to the area.
“People call for anything and everything,” she said. “Basic needs like food and housing are first and foremost. I’ve had people with serious health issues that don’t know where to turn.”
She said one woman had gone through surgery and had difficulty talking. She couldn’t call around to various places, so she called 211 and they helped her find a physical therapist. Van said the website would have been a good resource for her.
She said searching for key words on the website will be helpful for people finding appropriate services.
Salazar said there is a higher level of need than when the 211 line began, with more agencies. Technology has also changed.
“Everyone uses smart phones now,” he said. “It’s imperative we communicate with them.”
People will be able to access 211live.org with their phones.
The 211live.org website is a result of a cooperative effort by United Way of Volusia/Flagler Counties, Florida Dept. of Health in Volusia County, Florida Hospital, Halifax Health, Leadership Daytona and InFocus Media Group.
Salazar said it was the sponsorships of the health systems that gave them the resources to update the website.
Ann Martorano, chief operating officer for Halifax Health, said Halifax Health and Florida Hospital are not enemies, contrary to what some people believe.
“We have the common goal of helping the community,” she said
Bonnie Sorensen, county health director, said the new system should help, because sometimes people don’t know where to go with their health issues and end up in the emergency room.
She said the overall health of Volusia County needs to improve. She said in 2010, Volusia was ranked 37th out of 67 Florida counties for public health. In 2014, it was ranked 43.rd
