Western Counties 2-1-1 began operations January 17, 2007 and serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties. Trained information and referral specialists are available Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm, excluding holidays.

 

 

2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number for people to call for health & human services information and referrals to help meet their needs. It provides quick access to health and human services, encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. It also helps people learn about where to volunteer or contribute to charity in their community.

 

 

The first 2-1-1 service started at the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1997. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted 2-1-1 dialing code for community information and referral nationwide in 2000. Today, more than 80% of the United States has access to 2-1-1's toll-free information and referral services.

 

 

The Washington Information Network 2-1-1 (WIN 2-1-1) is coordinated development of the state's 2-1-1 system. On April 15, 2003 the Washington State Legislature passed ESHB 1787, a bill supporting creation of a 2-1-1 system in Washington State and direction WIN 2-1-1 to designate local 2-1-1 service providers based on national standards. WIN 2-1-1 piloted the 2-1-1 service in 2006 and achieved statewide 2-1-1 coverage in January, 2007.