CINCINNATI (January 22, 2021) — United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s 211 helpline is available to those who need help scheduling vaccine appointments or getting transportation to an appointment.

United Way is helping senior citizens, marginalized communities, the digitally challenged and those without transportation navigate the quickest path to vaccination.

“Help is only a three-digit call away,” said Moira Weir, United Way’s president and CEO. “We’re connecting people to vaccine information, scheduling appointments and presenting them with transportation options. As we rally to get 80 percent of our eligible community members vaccinated by July 4, United Way 211 stands ready to guide callers through every step of the process.”

Transportation to vaccine appointments is made possible through the sponsorship of TriHealth, The Christ Hospital Health Network, Cincinnati Children’s, Mercy Health, UC Health and St. Elizabeth HealthCare.

Weir said United Way, in addition to its normal relief work, took on several different roles helping Greater Cincinnati residents during the pandemic. The organization:

Helped coordinate social services for those who tested positive or needed to isolate.

Screened applicants for certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security money and helped Hamilton County distribute the funds.

Served as the voice of testandprotectcincy.com, distributing information to senior citizens and others who were digitally challenged and could not access vaccine information from the website.

Conducted outreach to Black churches and other Black organizations to schedule vaccine appointments, attempting to reduce vaccine inequity.

“We will adapt to the community need,” she said. “Helping with scheduling and transportation is a top need in our community. Our 211 helpline is already a place people turn to in their time of need, so it makes sense we serve as one-stop for that information.”