Human service needs as easy as 2-1-1

Last month, residents of Eastern Washington were linked to a statewide integrated 211 phone system. This free hookup will join with Western Washington 211 phone system, making the State of Washington the first state in the U.S. to have a fully integrated “front door” information and referral service for health and human service needs.

Senator Lisa Brown, Senator Majority Leader, was instrumental in seeking statewide funding for this innovative service.

Try it – just dial 211 and you will get a menu of items applying to seniors, i.e., free help with income taxes through AARP, housing resources, food banks, medical personnel and other human service offerings.

Office of Public Guardianship

House Bill 1130, which would create an Office of Public Guardianship, is undergoing hearings in Olympia. This will authorize a pilot program to provide guardianship services to people over 18 whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

These services would be primarily available either in a hospital or skilled nursing facility or in private homes under a waiver.

You may call a toll free number to follow this bill’s progress (800) 562-6000, or you can track bills online at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo.

What’s in a name?

When I was in grade school, a documentary was usually something like “Industrial Canada: Our Friendly Neighbor to the North.” Today, documentaries are winning awards, hosting their own festivals and taking up more shelf space in video stores.

“March of the Penguins” was an unexpected blockbuster, but my personal favorite is “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill,” a true account of a San Francisco phenomenon.

And critics have lauded Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth,” and “What the Bleep is it All About?,” a quirky look at quantum physics.

Devoted volunteers help shape our lives

Nick Beamer, Director of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, has announced the retirement of three citizens who have served with distinction on the Planning and Management Council: Marion Moos, president of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the Older Women’s League; WSU Professor and scholar Ted Saldin; and Pamela Small, a brave and untiring advocate for the individuals and groups in need.

Each has devoted at least six years on the council, demonstrating expertise and understanding of the field of aging and long term care. We should all join Beamer in expressing our gratitude for such dedication.

The other council members will continue to make the citizen involvement of the agency an unusual and most effective model throughout the state.

And looking forward to Valentine’s Day, you may remember these 16th Century stanzas by Christopher Marlowe:

“Come live with me and be my Love,

And we will all the pleasures prove

That hills and valleys, dale and field,

And all the craggy mountains yield.

The shepherd swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each mid-morning;

If these delights thy mind may move,

Then live with me and be my Love.”