Professionals

Each and every day, professionals use the Helpline Center’s website to assist their clients/patients/customers.  The information below will help guide you in using our website and other tools available. 

How-to Videos About Using the 211 Resource Database

• Using the Guided Search
• Using the Keyword Search
• Translating a Resource
• Creating a HelpList

Marketing Ideas

• The Helpline Center does a variety of things to promote the 211 number, but we would love your help spreading the word.  Here are some ideas you could use to raise awareness of 211 in your community:
  • The best way… word of mouth! Within funded areas, encourage others to dial 211, or text their zip code to 898211 
  • Hang a poster at your local organizations (download our 211 Resource Database poster). We recommend hanging these in community spaces, such as libraries, at non profit or government buildings. 
  • Like us on Facebook and Instagram, and share our posts! 
  • Celebrate 211 Day (February 11th each year)! Use your creativity and let us know your plans! 
  • Download one of our 1/3 page fliers that can be used/inserted into any kind of mailing from your organization (such as utility bills, newsletters, property tax statements, etc).  Color insert. Black and white insert. 
  • If you have a place to distribute printed marketing materials, or to share an announcement (PSA, Church bulletin, etc) 
    • email our Marketing Director (marketing@helplinecenter.org) or fill out our form called Request for Marketing Materials.
  • Add the Helpline Center logo to your website… email our Marketing Director (marketing@helplinecenter.org).
  • If you work in a place where members of the general public search the internet, add a shortcut to our 211 Resource Database on your desktop. Work with your IT department to make a shortcut to www.helplinecenter.org/211database, and then save the 211 icon over the top (click here for icon file). 

Adding a Program/Office to the 211 Resource Database

• To add a new program to the database:
  • *Thanks to South Dakota Senate Bill 2, 211 services will be available statewide, starting July 1, 2020. Therefore, we encourage all non profit, and government entities to make sure their information is in the 211 Resource Database. Please visit www.helplinecenter.org/211intake to learn more.
• What programs are eligible to be in the database?
  • Review our inclusion/exclusion guidelines on the following: 
    • 211 Database
      • ***New Inclusion/Exclusion guidelines coming soon (in light of 211 going statewide on July 1, 2020) 
    • Community Events
    • Mental Health Guides
• Not sure about getting listed? Check out this link with answers to the question, Why should my organization get listed in 211?

Updating in the 211 Resource Database 

• 100% of programs in the database are required to update / verify their information annually. 
• Learn more about the update/resource verification requirement and process: Update Video
• If you want to make an update outside of the annual time frame, please go to www.helplinecenter.org/update
• Any questions? Email database@helplinecenter.org

211 University

• 211 University is an hour long ‘how to’ on incorporating the Helpline Center resources into your daily work.
  • Request a 211 University for your community and/or organization!
  • Check our Calendar for upcoming 211 Universities.
• Quotes from past participants:
  • “Thank you for a concise presentation of all of the helpful resources contained within 211. This will be of considerable use when I work with my Medicaid, Medicare, and other populations that have difficulty accessing services.”
  • “I was not familiar with 211 prior to the training as I am a new professional. Great information and overview of the tools/information. The presenters were clear and knowledgeable!”
• View the 211 University COVID-19 Recording (approximately 48 minutes)

Printable Resources/Lists

• Printable resources for individuals:
  • HelpList – build a customized list of local resources based on your needs
  • HelpSheets  – short, informational documents on a variety of topics
  • Resource Guides – watch this video about finding the right Guide for you!
• Lists for organizations:
  • The Helpline Center can create an specialized data export of resource information for your organization. Fill out the List Request Form and database staff will follow up with you. The fee for this service is $100.00 for non-profits, and $200.00 for for-profit businesses.  

Partnerships and Trainings

• Partnerships
  • Helpline Center has a variety of partnership opportunities including resource sharing, community registrations and more. 
    
    • Want to learn more? Email betsy@helplinecenter.org
• Trainings
  • Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Trainings
  • Professional Training Opportunities Calendar (various topics)

Community Data

Helpline Center collects data on an aggregate level to share with the community and inform decision makers. Community stakeholders utilize the data to make informed decisions across the community. Click here to view local community trends documents.