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When you don’t know where to turn 211 can help DIANE HUNTER DIANE.HUNTER@EAP.ON.CA
resources available.” February 2 is Natio- nal 211 day, bringing awareness to the re- latively new service to the public, and to services that may have not yet plug-
munications Commission (FCC) approving 211 as a nation-wide number in the U.S. The Canadian Radio-Television and Tele- communications Com- mission (CRTC) approved the use of 211 throughout
211 is an information and referral helpline for the community which offers social, government, and health services.
HAWKESBURY | Many people think that when there’s a question 911 is the place to call. However, 911 is supposed to be re- served for emergencies only. That’s where 211 comes in. “211 is a community connection linking the community to needed services like mental health, housing, legal assistance, and social and multicultural programs to name a few,” said Jodie Densmore, exe- cutive director at United Way/Centraide of Prescott Russell. “The staff is fluently bilingual and skilled in community service resources. They can connect you to the ser- vices you need in more than 150 languages. It might take a minute or two to locate the proper translator, but they are there.” Densmore said 211 began as a way to help the community and relieve stress on the 911 emergency phone number. “If your child’s school goes on lockdown, or there is some sort of natural disaster, who do you call?” asked Densmore. “911, right? I would too if I didn’t know where else to call. That is one of the things 211 is for. Concerned ci- tizens can call 211 to find out what is going on so that 911 doesn’t become paralyzed with phone calls.” Free information and referral “Anyone can call as often as they like, com- pletely free of charge,”explained Densmore. “For help for a child or parent, or police can call when dealing with people with social rather than criminal issues like hoarding or mental health problems. 211 also have stats available for people doing research on what services are used in a specific area so that funds can be focused on where they are needed.” 211 has a plethora of services at their fingertips including information regarding government programs, social and health services, recreation, clubs and community groups, education, counselling services, children’s services, senior programs and much more. However a service is only as good as the people connected to it. “There is a gap of services if they are not registered with 211,” said Densmore. “We want to get everyone on board so that people who call can get as much information as possible on Hawkesbury OPP would like to remind snowmobile drivers about a few basic tips that can make a snowmobile ride safer andmore enjoyable. - Make sure you carry your license, ownership and insurance on you when operating your snowmobile. - Stay on marked trails and respect private property. – Obey the speed limit on trails. – Don’t drink and drive goes for snowmo- biles too. – Before venturing out onto the ice, make sure conditions are safe. – Trail permits are required if operating your machine on an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club prescribed trail. - Make sure that all permits are affixed properly on your snowmobile before operating it on a trail. Rules that snowmobile owners and operators must follow can be found on the Internet at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca, “Motorized Snow Vehicle Act”. Snowmobile reminder
ged in to the United Way/Centraide funded program. “The only requirement is to be a social agency, not business making,” explai- ned Densmore. “It has to be non-profit or sliding scale.“ United Way Atlanta established the first 211 service in 1997 with the Federal Com-
Canada in August 2001. The first 211 service in Canada began in Toronto in June 2002. “This is the inception of 211,” said Dens- more. “911 began almost 50 years ago. It took time for people to rely on the service. We are hoping people will come to rely on 211 just as much as 911.”
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613.632.6059
candidate au École Baccalauréat
International
Préconcentrations 7 et 8 e année
Les préconcentrations et concentratons sont offertes dans le domaine des arts et des sports.
L'école Le Sommet est heureuse de pouvoir compter sur la collaboration de Shawn Anderson , directeur exécutif de l'Académie Internationale d'Hockey et de l'équipe junior A des Hawks d'Hawkesbury, pour sa concentration sport dans la discipline du hockey.
613.632.6059
lesommet.cepeo.on.ca
894, boul. Cécile, Hawkesbury
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