The 211 hotline used to ask questions or get assistance is now being used as an outlet to help Spanish speakers get resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization says there has been an increase in calls during the recent spike in cases.

Ashlie Casey, Program Director for the hotline, says language barriers cause some difficulties to get quick and accurate information. Casey says the Tulsa Health Department asked them to lend a hand to Spanish-speaking callers in the community.

Casey says many of the calls are questions about COVID-19 testing sites and vaccinations. Callers are able to speak with a real person, which comes in handy because other needs like housing, rental assistance and healthcare can be discussed as the conversation continues.

“We want our Spanish-speaking community to know what resources are available in the community and to be able to access them,” said Casey.

The 211 hotline has resources to help out people in more than 140 different languages.