“We want every individual in the Permian Basin to know that 2-1-1 is the number to call when he or she just does not know whom to call,” said Juanita Castilleja, director of 2-1-1 Permian Basin. “When you dial 2-1-1, a trained expert will listen to your needs and provide anonymous referrals to local community resources that can help with everything from finding food, housing and child care to crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment.

“The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has declared this date 2-1-1 Day, in order to educate organizations, agencies, individuals and other service entities about the free, three-digit phone number that connects callers with services in their community that can improve their health and quality of life.”

The February date will be the first time 2-1-1 Day has been celebrated throughout Texas, according to  Castilleja.

“When callers dial 2-1-1, they are connected to area information centers in their region,” said Castilleja. “These experts have access to the most comprehensive data base of community-based organizations, government agencies and non-profits that exist in Texas. Information can be provided in more than 90 languages, including Spanish.

“The list of resources available through 2-1-1 is extensive,” she added. “Some of our outreach includes providing information for assistance with domestic violence programs, drug and alcohol treatment, elder care services and emergency shelter and food.”

Castilleja  said other information and referral services include family counseling; housing assistance; legal help; disaster response and relief; prenatal, health and home care; and temporary financial and energy assistance.

For more information on 2-1-1 Texas, visit www.211texas.org on the World Wide Web or call Castilleja at (432) 570-1039.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it