SMETHPORT — Mandi Wilton Davis, executive director of the United Way of the Bradford Area, spoke to the McKean County Commissioners Tuesday about the launch of the 2-1-1 system that connects residents with the health, human and social services available in local communities.

“As many of you know,” Davis said, “our community has waited many years for a robust information and referral system…an easy-to-use way to connect our friends and neighbors in need with the vast array of health, human and social services that already exist in McKean County.”

According to Davis, “Although it has taken some time to realize, thanks to the support of McKean County officials and successful United Way campaigns, a person in need now simply has to dial three numbers to reach a professional resource navigator who will connect them with the right agency to assist with their challenges. The resource navigator is trained to be empathetic and non-judgmental because often the caller is in crisis mode.”

The 2-1-1 system, a cooperative project with McKean County and state and regional UW officials, operates 24/7 every day of the year.

Individuals seeking assistance can also conduct their own search for services by logging on to pa211nw.org. Or, consumers can text the contact center, which is located in Franklin, by texting their need and zip code to 898-211.

“United Way is pleased to bring this service to our community,” Davis said. “McKean County now joins a regional, state and nationwide movement. Since the beginning of this calendar year, the northwest region of the Commonwealth has taken major steps toward completing the alignment of this system statewide, with six of the 12 counties integrated.”

Davis also noted that this service also aligns the United Way’s mission of improving the lives in the agency’s service areas.