SIDNEY — Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, Shelby County area residents will be able to dial “211” to access information about a wide variety of issues, including government services, health and mental health resources, employment support and more. The Shelby County United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people in Shelby County find local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 211 is a United Way National program.

“We are hoping this program will help reduce calls into our dispatch center for information and allow our dispatchers focus on emergencies,” said Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart.

Every day thousands of people across North America turn to 211 for information and support, whether financial, domestic, health or disaster-related. 211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people from all communities and of all ages to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“211 can be accessed by phone or computer,” said Lenhart in a press release. “A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and save lives.”

211 will provide residents with information about: supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options and utilities assistance, emergency information and disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, services for veterans, health care, vaccination and health epidemic information, addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs, reentry help for ex-offenders, support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs, a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse and victims of Human Trafficking.

More than 80 percent of the United States has access to 211, along with several areas of Canada. For more information on the national 211, visit www.211US.org