With nearly 80 documented cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County, as of Friday morning, County officials are teaming up with a familiar name to help residents get their questions answered.
On Friday, the County announced a partnership with United Way 2-1-1, giving residents an easy access line to questions about COVID-19 in the community. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is in 150 languages thanks to phone interpretation technology.
Additionally, residents can text ‘coronavirus’ to 211211 for answers in English or Spanish. County officials have been working with 2-1-1 to provide accurate health guidance for individuals, schools, and businesses as the region works to combat the spread of the virus.
“The County partnership with 2-1-1 is a great access point for residents seeking more information about this evolving issue from informed and trained people,” said County Health Officer, Dr. Sara Cody.
While callers may be directed to other helpful resources for specific topics, the new capacity at 2-1-1 will help get information to residents in a more expedited manner. 2-1-1 staff are already handling more than 300 daily calls, since the two groups partnered last week.
Residents are advised to continue contacting their health care providers if they are looking for medical advice, and to call 911 in an emergency.
“Locally during the COVID-19 crisis, every day, clients will be able to contact 2-1-1 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, and childcare and family services,” said Kelly Batson of the United Way Bay Area.
To see more information from the County’s COVID-19 resource page, click here.