There is a growing understanding in Canada and other countries that suggest that the financial circumstances of individuals and groups are equally or more important to health status than medical care and personal health behaviours, such as smoking and eating patterns.
These additional factors such as, income inequality, social inclusion and exclusion, employment and job security, working conditions, contribution of the social economy, early childhood care, education, food security and housing can all contribute to a persons overall health.
The United Way of Bruce Grey in partnership with Community Connections is working to bring the 211 information referral system to Grey Bruce. Having easy access to information on community services is the first step in improving the health of a community, especially those at economic risk.
While the expansion of the 24 hour call centre needs additional partners, the United Way of Bruce Grey has been able to fund the online portion of the 211 system. This is a pilot project and Grey Bruce will be the first region to receive 211 services online without the call centre component. The launch of this online system is anticipated for June 2007. By demonstrating the potential of 211 through the lower cost online version, it is hoped that further partnerships will expand the system to encompass the call centre feature.
Collingwood has both the call centre and online 211 information centre and can be accessed through this link www.211simcoecounty.ca
If accepted as a session Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey, Francesca Dobbyn will walk participants through the 211 website demonstrating that health can be improved through access to information in an online format. The 211 system is aimed at both the consumer of its information and the services that are listed, enabling a staff member of an agency to seek further resources for a client, all in one meeting.