News and Information
COVID-19 Hotline Callers Seek Clarifications on Returning to WorkGovernor Inslee’s recent announcement of a phased approach for re-opening the state’s economy appears to have prompted a bump in calls into the state’s COVID-19 hotline about getting back to work. The Washington 211 network has answered over 50,000 calls since early March through the statewide hotline number (1-800-525-0127).…
Read More 211 Answers Calls to Licensed Long Term Care FacilitiesStarting earlier in April, calls going to state-licensed aging and long-term care facilities regarding COVID-19 have been routed to 211 through the use of automated voice scripts based on the callers selection. Washington 211 is partnering with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to answer…
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Washington 211 Data Provides Insights from the State Level to Your Neighborhood You can now access the rich data that Washington 211 collects from 211 callers to learn what the most pressing needs are in your community online at “2-1-1 Counts”. 2-1-1 Counts is the first tool to provide real-time, searchable and visual presentations of data from…
Read More The Washington 211 system roared like a lion into March as it saw its call activity more than double from the same month last year. Calls Go Up While Abandoned Call Rate PlummetsThe significant increase in call volume is due to the Washington 211 network handling calls from the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19…
Read More The COVID-19 crisis has been a good test of Washington 211’s ability to ramp up to handle large volumes of calls in emergency situations. Two weeks ago, the Washington 211 Network began handling calls from the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 hotline (1-800-525-0127). Here are the highlights: Over 30,000 Calls Have Been Made to the HotlineEvery…
Read More Washington 211 Network Designated as Principle Call Center The Washington 211 (WA211) network has been designated and contracted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to serve as the principal call center to provide information and referrals about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time calls are being answered from the DOH 1-800-525-0127 number through the…
Read More You Played an Important Role in Supporting our Call Centers! The state legislature has approved this week a supplemental operating budget that includes $200,000 for upgrading telecommunications and other equipment for Washington 211 call centers. While a modest request, supplemental budget requests can be difficult to get funded. Your work in reaching out to your legislators, whether…
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Updated web portal with user-friendly design features and more educational resources helps owners of small businesses and individuals easily shop for affordable, state-verified retirement savings plans. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the new Retirement Marketplace, a one-stop, easy-to-use website that helps owners of small businesses and individuals comparison shop for retirement savings plans. All plans on the marketplace are from…
Read MoreThe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is an important benefit for working people with low to moderate incomes, but you must file a federal tax return to get it, even if you owe no income tax.OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce reminds anyone earning up to $55,952 that they may be eligible…
Read MoreDear 211 leaders and supporters, The Washington 211 Advocacy Day in Olympia will be February 11 (National 211 Day). Your full engagement in this day will play an important role in supporting our request for $222,000 in critical equipment and infrastructure upgrades. Key to the success of this day are legislator meetings. Call center managers…
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