6. Need for a 211 Lead Entity

211 service, whether during normal periods or during emergencies, is provided by different 211 service providers throughout the various counties in California. Each of these local 211 service providers makes available the same type of information in each county or locale served, tailored to the needs of the particular county's residents. However, instead of each individual 211 service provider trying to coordinate its efforts with state and local government agencies and telecommunications carriers, which would result in a duplication of effort, a 211 Lead Entity (Lead Entity) would provide a single point of coordination for the planning, implementation, and coordination, of both regular and 211 emergency services in California.

For example, a Lead Entity would be able to work with the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) in preparation for an emergency. Instead of each 211 service provider working with each local office of emergency services, a standard plan could be developed and distributed by the Lead Entity and California OES. Similarly, a Lead Entity could work with the LECs throughout California to develop a consistent yet adaptable plan for the switching of 211 calls during both regular and emergency periods.