WHEREAS,  2-1-1 Maine is a comprehensive statewide directory of over 8,000 health and human services available in the State; and

WHEREAS,  in order to promote the 2-1-1 Maine health and human services and emergency preparedness hotline, which helps Maine citizens get access to needed resources, we recognize February 2016 as 2-1-1 Maine Month; and

WHEREAS,  2-1-1 Maine helps to identify existing gaps in health and human services; and

WHEREAS,  throughout the State, 2-1-1 Maine provides around-the-clock service through efficient and effective responses to questions arising from the growing complexities and needs in health, socioeconomic and human services; and

WHEREAS,   2-1-1 Maine provides emergency operations during times of natural and other disasters, including providing accurate and timely information for preparations and longer-term referrals for follow-up services, and valuable information for community planning and for future matching of resources and unmet needs; and

WHEREAS,  2-1-1 Maine directs Mainers to heating and utility assistance services that help prevent people from contacting the wrong agency for a federal Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program benefit, help prevent utility shutoffs and save people from spending winter nights without fuel assistance; and

WHEREAS,  2-1-1 Maine offers a number of specialized services, including the gambling helpline and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention with H1N1 influenza calls, and is also a resource for finding information about services such as tax preparation; now, therefore, be it