Press Releases
Wildfires Spur Growth in Callers Seeking Resources
SAN DIEGO, December 20, 2007 John Ohanian, Chief Executive Officer of 2-1-1 San Diego, is pleased to announce a new addition to the San Diego 2-1-1 team. Chris Manning, a veteran in the community for leading disaster preparedness and response programs, has joined as the Public Affairs Director. “The 2007 wildfires emphasized the importance of a strong disaster response network that utilizes a wide range of existing services, Chris is the perfect leader to build upon our network for disaster and everyday needs,” said Ohanian.
With more than 25 years experience in community, government relations and communications, Manning brings community connections and effective disaster strategies to the team. Before joining 2-1-1, Manning worked with the American Red Cross as a Response Coordinator. Following Hurricane Katrina, she collaborated with other community and government agencies to open the Family Assistance Center, which provided services to over 2,000 people who came to San Diego.
Manning will be charged with developing and directing the implementation of the agency’s public affairs, business development, and communications. “Outreach is the key to moving forward,” Manning said. “We need to increase public awareness and support for 2-1-1 to ensure we can continue to provide a wide range of immediate community, health and human service resources to local individuals, as well as serve as the recognized source of information during a disaster.”
2-1-1 is the only free, confidential, dialing code service in San Diego County that provides immediate community, health and human service resources to local families. 2-1-1 callers can connect to an expert to direct them to public and private services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to their regular service of connecting people to services such as rehabilitation, legal aid or shelter, 2-1-1 also acts as the County’s first responder of public information during a regional disaster. The staff disseminates evacuation and safety information as well as personally answers questions and provides over-the-phone support.
Contact: Meg Storer, Communications & Public Affairs Coordinator, (858) 300-1240 or mstorer@211sandiego.org.
