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

New Brunswick:

Energy efficiency programs help conservation efforts, as well as bring down energy costs for consumers – so essential during these difficult economic times. People can call 211 to find about energy efficiency programs that can benefit them and the environment.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from a male from Saint John who was looking to have an energy efficient heat pump installed in his house. Unfortunately, he was not sure who could help with this or how to have this done.

The Service Navigator listened carefully to the caller’s situation and needs. She let him know about a program called Save Energy NB through NB Power. He agreed that was the kind of help that he was seeking. She let him know the contact information of the program and the details he would need to know to apply. For his convenience, the Service Navigator offered to transfer him to the program, which he happily accepted. She then transferred his call to a representative at the Save Energy NB Program.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

There are so many details to work out when someone moves to a new province. 211 Service Navigators are there to provide guidance and referrals to make settling into a new community easier and less stressful.

A woman called 211 on behalf of her husband who had recently moved to Newfoundland from another province. She already had a family doctor, but her husband did not have one in Newfoundland yet. Her husband had health issues and needed prescription refills. Unfortunately, the caller’s own family doctor was not taking any more patients. She told the Service Navigator: “He’s worried that he will not be able to refill his prescriptions in time.”

The Service Navigator advised the caller to contact Patient Connect NL and register for the provincial list of those seeking a family doctor. The Service Navigator also explained about different health care options, including virtual ones, that were available that could possibly assist with prescription refills. She also encouraged the caller to contact 211 again if she or her husband had questions about community services as he settled into his new province.