There have been multiple attempts over the years to create a useful resource guide for Graham County.
“The moment that we put something out, it become obsolete,” said Rosa Contreras with the Graham County Health Department. “Whether it’s turnover with staff, whether it’s changes in programs.”
Contreras said the solution was to use modern technology, which is why the phone number 2-1-1 is now the county’s new resource guide.
“If you need help with emergency services, you call 9-1-1. If you need help (with suicide intervention or) crisis (support), you call 9-8-8,” Contreras said. “2-1-1 is a confidential service that helps connects people to the services that they need.”
Services include food, housing and utilities assistance, healthcare, counseling and support groups, transportation, legal services, government services, disaster relief and more.
To make 2-1-1 an indispensable service to Gila Valley residents, The Health Department is asking service providers and service organizations to list their offerings and contact information, by logging on to 211 Arizona | Graham County, AZ.