Overview
This report describes how 211 organizations help individuals find community services and support efforts to address health-related, non-medical needs. It also explains how 211 can partner with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and other sectors to improve referrals, care coordination, and community planning.
What the Resource Covers
The report provides an overview of non-medical factors that affect health and describes how healthcare organizations commonly identify patients’ needs, refer them to community services, and provide navigation support. It highlights three important 211 assets: regularly updated community resource directories, data about local service needs and gaps, and expertise helping individuals navigate available services. The report also discusses standardized coding and data-sharing efforts, potential uses of 211 data, and examples of partnerships between 211 organizations and healthcare systems.
Key Takeaways for Implementation
Healthcare organizations may be able to work with 211 to strengthen resource directories, support patient referrals and navigation, identify gaps in available services, and better understand changing community needs. The examples also show that 211 organizations differ in their capabilities, services, technology, and readiness to participate in formal healthcare partnerships.
Who May Find This Resource Useful
This resource may be especially useful for healthcare organizations, community partners, and policymakers seeking a descriptive overview of 211 activities and its potential role in programs that identify and address non-medical needs.
Resource Type: Issue brief and descriptive report.
Topic Areas: 211, community referrals, resource navigation, community data, cross-sector partnerships.
Population or Setting: Healthcare organizations, community service organizations, government agencies, and 211 centers.
Publication Date: April 2022.
Source: National 211 Steering Committee
