SALISBURY — The number of calls to the state United Way’s 211 service has topped 50,000 since Gov. Roy Cooper activated it as part of the state’s response to COVID-19. 

The 50,000th call was received on May 27 at 12:34 a.m., according to a news release. The caller was from western North Carolina and was seeking help finding a COVID-19 testing site. A news release said the call specialist provided the person with information on where they could find testing information and the number for a local health care provider to contact the next morning.

“Rowan County United Way is proud to support NC 211 and their team of dedicated call specialists, who are working around the clock to offer relevant information to callers during COVID-19” said Seth Waller, board president of the Rowan County United Way. “This pandemic has impacted community members all across the state and we are grateful to provide this resource during such a difficult time.”  

Call specialists from 211 are available 24 hours per day and seven days per week, including after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, because of the support from local United Way organizations across North Carolina. NC 211 offers information and connects to local resources, such as, help paying a utility bill, finding food to make it through the month, or where to turn for support in caring for an aging parent. For 16 years, NC 211 has helped connect North Carolinians to health and human service resources that meet their needs.

For information about Rowan County United Way contact Jenny Lee, executive director at 704-633-1802.

For more information about the statewide NC 211 system, contact Heather Black, NC 211 State Director at hblack@unitedwaync.org.