Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #438FY0102
2-1-1 Information & Referral System
Requester:		Danielle Ricciardi			Organization:		Hillsborough County Crisis Center; D.B.A. Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Project Title:		2-1-1 Information & Referral System			Date Submitted:		1/17/2002 5:48:03 PM
Sponsors:		Arthenia Joyner
Statewide Interest:
2-1-1 is a national initiative of the United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), making it easier for citizens to get help and give help in their community. In Florida, 2-1-1 is up and running in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Brevard Counties, and is in the process of being implemented statewide. 2-1-1's potential benefit to both taxpayers and policy makers is enormous. Not only will citizens be better able to access needed services, but issues will also be addressed at an earlier stage, reducing the chance that they will grow into a host of problems requiring expensive solutions. This prevention-based approach is especially vital at a time when individuals are expected to take on more responsibility for their own well being, reducing reliance on government. Funding of this proposal would not only greatly benefit Hillsborough County, but would also provide a pilot project, model and training resource for replication of 2-1-1 service throughout the State of Florida.
Recipient:		Hills. County Crisis Center; D.B.A. Crisis Center of Tampa			Contact:		Danielle Ricciardi
		One Crisis Center Plaza			Contact Phone:		(139) 641-9643 053
		Tampa 33613-1238
Counties:		Hillsborough
Gov't Entity:			Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):					Yes
Project Description:
Funding is requested for telecommunications and technology equipment, furnishings and staff training and development associated with providing 2-1-1 service for Hillsborough County. 2-1-1 is an abbreviated telephone dialing code, set aside by the FCC for health and human services information and referral (I & R) nationwide. Modeled after 9-1-1, 2-1-1 will have a major impact, making it much easier for citizens to navigate the complex maze of human service agencies and either receive help or volunteer. In Hillsborough County, 2-1-1 has been added to the Crisis Center's Hotline Services, which has been providing service in the Tampa Bay for 29 years. When and individual dials 2-1-1, staff/volunteers help identify issues and make referrals to appropriate services, also providing crisis/suicide prevention counseling as needed. Combining state-of-the-art technology with the human factor results in a service that is accessible, user-friendly, and efficient. 2-1-1 is also cost-effective, maximizing existing resources and helping stabilize individuals and families.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
2-1-1's goal is to make it easier for people to find and give help. In fiscal year 1999 - 2000, the Hotline received 26, 209 calls, and since the implementation of 2-1-1, call volume has increased by over 227%. With the proper telecommunications system, we anticipate managing 60,000 calls in the next year. 2-1-1 not only removes barriers and improves service delivery, but also serves, as an excellent resource for data collection and on-going human services needs assessment. Our technology enables us to track outcomes and devise monthly reports on caller needs, and how well we are answering those needs and providing follow-up. This information will be extremely beneficial to policy makers, social service providers and funders, helping identify trends and plan for the future needs our citizens.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$230,000
Identify items(s) in the FY 2002-03 Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			400
Specific Appropriation Title:			Grants and Aids - Community Mental Health Services
Amount to be reduced:			$230,000
Total cost of the project:			$776,223
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
What type of match exists for this project?					Local
	Cash Amount:		$546,223
Was this project previously funded by the State?							No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		Analysis by THINK Grant, Mental Health Taskforce, Rural Social Serv. Partnership & Hunger Taskforce.
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:		12/5/2000