CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center launched a hotline Thursday aimed at helping Coloradans navigate the uncertainty that has accompanied the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The multilingual 211 Colorado service is touted as a central location where “people can access over 7,500 health and human service resources,” according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Due to what are expected to be long wait-times, the 211 hotline is also hiring people to answer calls. That information is available at 211Colorado.org.
HOW TO CALL:
Coloradans can reach the hotline by calling 211, going to 211Colorado.org or by texting your zipcode to 898-211.
People should NOT call 911 to ask questions about COVID-19 unless it is a medical emergency.
Coloradans looking for general information about the coronavirus – such as the number of cases in Colorado, lists of symptoms and how to protect themselves – should call CO Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.
Resource navigators on the 211 line are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They have access to language translation services that can accommodate more than 170 languages.
With all this being said, neither hotline can offer medical assistance or advice. Again: if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
According to CDPHE, the hotline will provide information about:
- Housing, including shelters and transitional services.
- Rent and utility assistance.
- Applying for SNAP benefits by phone.
- Childcare.
- Food/meals.
- Transportation.
- Clothing/personal/household needs.
- Mental health and substance use disorders.
- Employment.
- Education.
- Medical clinics.
- Dental clinics.
- Other government emergency services.
Coloradans looking for ways to volunteer or help people in need can find opportunities at helpcoloradonow.org.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Local stories from 9NEWS