Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have a connection from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

The first step to getting children with special needs the help that they need is getting them an assessment. When people do not know where to turn for that kind of help, 211 will guide them to the appropriate services.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from an individual who had just had her employment terminated. She was on long term disability, and had been informed that her disability would be permanent. She was receiving income from Canada Pension Plan – Disability, but that had been supplemented by her insurance through her work.

A senior called 211 looking for guidance. She told the Service Navigator that she has custody of her grandchildren, and believes that one of the children is in need of assessment for possible Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The caller was hoping to connect to a professional for such an assessment prior to the start of school in September. The grandchildren also needed a family doctor.

The caller and the Service Navigator discussed issues such as location and cost. The caller did not want to be referred to private agencies for the assessment. The caller was provided with referrals to Patient Connect NL, Online Platform ‘Medicuro”, and to the Eastern Health Learning and Behavior Team. The Service Navigator explained the role of each one, and exactly how to apply. The grandmother took down all of the information, and the Service Navigator let her know that she could call 211 again any time she or her grandchildren needed more assistance.