Nonemergency service volunteers needed

The volunteer coordination service 211 is in dire need of volunteers.

Amy Peters, program manager for 211, said it expects as many as 500 calls from people seeking help because of the snowstorms.

“We don’t have enough volunteers at all,” Peters said. “It’s a very, very short list we have accumulated.”

Peters said callers need help getting to appointments, getting prescriptions refilled, picking up food and removing snow.

“Right now, we are trying to help a little bit by asking people to help their neighbors,” Peters said.

The 211 number has been widely distributed as a clearinghouse for those who need nonemergency help at home.

The regional center serves 20 counties in Eastern Washington, but has only been operating in Spokane for about one year.

“Some callers are very frustrated. They say, ‘I already called them – it’s not working,’ ” Peters said. “We want to emphasize to people that 211 is only as good as the resources that we have.”

On Christmas Eve, 211 put out a call for volunteers – but more people are still needed.

“We are still hoping community groups and church groups will come forward,” Peters said. “All we can tell some of our callers is to be patient, get in line and wait. Even companies that are being paid to do these services are booked weeks out.”

To volunteer, make a free call to 211 – the Greater Columbia Information and Referral Service.

Icy conditions causing more slip, fall injuries

Walking has become dangerous since snowstorms covered the area, hospital officials say.

“Icy walkways, wet floors and stairs have been our biggest problem areas,” said Todd Putren, unit supervisor of the Kootenai Medical Center emergency room.

“Over last weekend we saw a big increase in hip fractures, which can be a very debilitating injury, especially in our older population.”

Officials at KMC say they’ve attended to nearly two dozen slip-and-fall injuries in patients older than 60. Several younger patients have also been seen in the emergency room.

Sacred Heart Medical Center officials also say their number of slip-and-fall patients has jumped dramatically.

“The best way, according to clinicians, to prevent these injuries is to wear proper footwear,” Putren said in a press release.

Post Falls

Teen escapee found at Butte home

A teenage girl who Post Falls police say escaped from her state Health and Welfare caseworker last month has been arrested in Butte, officials said Wednesday.

Police had asked the public for help finding Kayla Hoffman, 16, after she ran away from her caseworker while at the Post Falls Wal-Mart after being released from the District 1 Juvenile Detention Center to go to an appointment.

The Silver Bow Sheriff’s Department found her at a home in Butte after multiple checks, according to Post Falls police.