AARP provides funding for vaccine appointment service on state-wide 2-1-1 network

May 10, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jamie Harding

JHarding@aarp.org

205-470-1265

AARP Alabama Provides Funding for 2-1-1 Network for

COVID Vaccine Appointments

Phone appointments will bridge the “digital divide” for older Alabamians

Montgomery – AARP Alabama has announced that it is providing funding to United Ways of Alabama to expand the 2-1-1 state-wide phone network to include registering Alabamians for COVID vaccines in their local communities. This new appointment service is now in operation.

From the start of the vaccine roll-out, it has been difficult for many older adults across Alabama to access a vaccine appointment system that has almost exclusively required internet access.

“Many of our most vulnerable don’t have internet access to make appointments and this has been a barrier to vaccination for them. We are glad to partner with United Ways of Alabama to remove this barrier by funding this new service through their state-wide 2-1-1 network,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director.

To access the vaccine appointment system from anywhere in the state, callers can simply dial “211” – no area code is required. Calls will be answered by operators Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Time.

“The 2-1-1 network serves Alabama’s citizens by connecting them to key resources in their communities. This new funding from AARP Alabama will allow us to expand that service in a truly important and impactful way as we help connect older Alabamians to COVID vaccine appointments,” stated Becky W. Booker, Executive Director of United Ways of Alabama.

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About AARP: AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​