MIFFLINTOWN - After years of planning and preparation, local residents in need of assistance now have immediate access to human service providers in Mifflin and Juniata counties.
Marie Mulvihill, executive director of the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, introduced the new 2-1-1 human service calling network Tuesday at a regular public meeting of the Juniata County Commissioners.
Mulvihill thanked the commissioners for their assistance in funding the network that will act as a liaison between consumers and local human services. By dialing 2-1-1, Mulvihill said callers access a "warm transfer," meaning that a referral specialist will stay on the line with the caller until an appropriate service agency is reached.
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Sentinel photo by JULIANNE CAHILL
Marie Mulvihill, executive director of the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, announced the new 2-1-1 human service calling network Tuesday at a public board meeting of the Juniata County Commissioners. Pictured from left, Commissioner Teresa O’Neal, Marie Mulvihill and Commissioner Robert Reynolds.
This is especially important for callers who are already in crisis, Mulvihill said. A process that used to take up to seven calls to reach the correct agency now takes about two.
In times of natural disaster, the network also has the capability to partner with 9-1-1, accepting urgent, but not emergency, calls so that 9-1-1 may dedicate itself to first responders. If all regional call centers fail, calls will be picked up in a neighboring region, Mulvihill said.
Commissioner Teresa O'Neal thanked Mulvihill for her continued effort toward the project.
"It's a phenomenal opportunity for this community that we would not be able to do on our own," she said.
Also at the meeting, the commissioners:
Approved a board appointment request from the Juniata County Human Services Delivery Fund Advisory Board of Kathie Graham, executive director for Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation.
Approved the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Medical Assistance Transportation Program Grant Agreement.
Reviewed the Juniata County Adult and Juvenile Probation Department August 2012 monthly report.
Ratified the amended Joinder Agreements pertaining to the HMJ MH/ID Program.
Approved checks Nos. 35,926 through 35,959 in the amount of $41,696.68.
