News and Information

• Did you know that it’s estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States have been directly affected by a suicide? September 4 through September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Week. If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. 2-1-1 is certified by the American Association of Suicidology. If you live outside of Connecticut use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is 1-800-273-8255.
  
  
• 2-1-1 Barometer: The mortgage foreclosure crisis continues to have a major impact on the economy. Nationwide, over 800,000 households received a foreclosure notice in the first quarter of 2009, a 9 percent increase from the previous quarter. Connecticut’s foreclosure rate has been far lower than the rate in the states most affected by the crisis, but it has the highest foreclosure rate among New England states. This edition of the 2-1-1 Barometer highlights the latest data on foreclosures and on calls to 2-1-1 for foreclosure assistance as well as United Way and other programs that are in place to provide help. Click here to view current and past editions.
  
  
• Where to Turn in Connecticut When you Become Unemployed - As Connecticut’s unemployment ratecontinues to rise, 2-1-1 is seeing an increase in the number of calls from residents needing referrals for job finding assistance. In 2008, 2-1-1 made over 9,000 referrals related to employment services, an increase of 9 percent over the previous year. 2-1-1 has just updated its report, Where to Turn in Connecticut When you Become Unemployed which offers many resources to those seeking employment, job training and basic needs services while they are unemployed.
  

• Connecticut’s New Affordable Health Care – The CHARTER OAK HEALTH PLAN is Connecticut’s health insurance plan for adults 19 through 64 years of age. There are no income or asset limits to qualify and pre-existing conditions are not a factor in determining eligibility. Premiums will be subsidized for people whose income is below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. For more information or to get an application, go to www.charteroakhealthplan.com or call 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625).

• 2-1-1: PASS IT ON! To help ensure that 2-1-1 continues to be excellent, everywhere and always, sign the petition to ask Congress to enact the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (S.211/H.R.211) this year.