Welcome to Skagit County

February 23rd, 2006

DAHLSTEDT MAKES FIRST CALL TO LAUNCH 211 SYSTEM IN SKAGIT COUNTY

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt joined United Way of Skagit County Executive Director Paul Chaplik to make the inaugural call for Skagit County’s new
2-1-1 service. U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen was on the receiving end at the 2-1-1 Call Center in Everett.

The new 2-1-1 system represents a public-private partnership, with ongoing support from United Way of Skagit County. “We’re pleased to be part of it,” said Chaplik, whose agency helped fund the kick-off.

2-1-1 is the three-digit telephone number assigned by the Federal Communications Commission for the purpose of providing quick and easy access to information about health and human services. “When you have a single number to remember, it can make a big difference,” said Dahlstedt. “I think it will do good things for people who need help.”

Nationwide, more than 139 million Americans now have access to 2-1-1. “It’s a good thing. It shows that people want help and need help,” said Larsen.

Skagit County joins Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Snohomish, and King counties as part of the
2-1-1 system.

For further information, contact Dan Berentson at 360-419-3461

Cutline for attached photo:

Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt makes the first 2-1-1 call from Skagit County to Congressman Rick Larsen who answered the phone at the call center in Everett. United Way Director Paul Chaplik joined in the conversation.