Happy National 2-1-1 Day (?!)

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replying the story in its archived form does not constitute a re-publiccation of the story.

So, I guess I should wish you a Happy 'National 2-1-1 Day..." Yeah, I didn't know what exactly that meant either, other than it was the numerical equivalent of February 11. It turns out, not only do Missouri and Southwest Illinois have an easy way to connect with a help hot line, they've actually designated today to celebrate it.

I have to say, this easy-dial help line is pretty random. According to United Way, who is responsible for being just a phone call away, dialing those three little numbers will connect you with a specialist who will hook you up with health and human service assistance on everything from food and shelter to job counseling services, health resources and an assortment of other random everyday needs.

Just think of it as a non-emergency 911 that's specific to your locale. Sweet.