State, Local Officials Celebrate Mass211 Day in Framingham

FRAMINGHAM - The United Way of Tri-County and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) were joined by other local and state officials in celebrating Mass211 Day in the Commonwealth on Monday, February 13.

The ceremony was held at MEMA’s Framingham headquarters to commemorate the Mass211 service.

Staffed by the United Way, Mass211 is a 24/7 hotline that connects residents with non-emergency information. Those who dial 2-1-1 can learn more about shelter locations, transportation restrictions, assistance following disasters, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Officials praised Mass211 for taking over 500,000 calls in 2023. President and CEO of the United Way of Tri-County Paul Mina, who is also Mass211’s executive director, thanked stakeholders such as Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka along with the United Way for their continued support of these vital services.

“Behind those numbers are human lives…and conditions that need to improve,” Mina told attendees.

Mass211 can also connect residents experiencing domestic violence or a mental health crisis with the right people to speak to. The program oversees the Call2Talk service, which offers emotional support and suicide prevention resources. About 180,000 calls are received by the Call2Talk team annually, according to Mina.

Spilka—who noted her own experience as a hotline counselor—commended the Mass211 operators for their commitment to fielding a wide range of calls from across the state, especially ones involving sensitive information and situations.

“When they call, when you pick up the line, you realize: whatever the issue is, that issue is—right then—the most important thing in the world to that person,” Spilka said.

Late last year, The Frame was able to speak with some of the people who provide compassionate care through Call2Talk. You can watch that segment below.

More details on Mass211 can be found on their website.