Caregivers in the Inner Banks: Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
- United Way Inner Banks
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Caring for a loved one can be a beautiful act of love—but it’s also incredibly demanding. Whether you're juggling work, family, and your own well-being, the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming.
That’s why the expansion of the AARP and United Way Caregiver Support Program is such welcome news. As of mid-2025, caregivers across 10 new states—Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York, plus Puerto Rico—can now dial 211 to connect with trained, local specialists who offer help finding food, clothing, medical care, transportation, and more.
This brings the program’s reach to 25 states and Puerto Rico, meaning an estimated 14.6 million caregivers can now access support they previously couldn’t.
Why It Matters
The 211 helpline is free, confidential, available 24/7, and operates in 180 languages—ensuring support is inclusive and accessible.
In 2024 alone, the network logged nearly 17 million requests and delivered more than 18 million local referrals—which equates to about 32 calls or texts per minute.
AARP’s Nancy LeaMond puts it simply:
“Caring for parents, spouses and other adult loved ones is a labor of love — but it can also be a tremendous challenge…Through this expansion of 211, we’re making it easier for family caregivers to find the help they need, when and where they need it.”
What This Means for the Inner Banks Community
While our own region may not be among the newly added states, news like this shines a light on the growing importance of caregiver support nationwide. It’s a powerful reminder that—wherever you live—help may be closer than you think.
What you can do:
Save or share the number 211—you might need it someday, or someone you know might.
Spread the word among friends, neighbors, caregivers, and volunteers.
If you or someone you know needs help navigating caregiving demands, reach out to your local United Way or check if 211 is available in your area.
What’s Next for United Way Inner Banks?
As we build our blog and resources hub, we’ll spotlight stories and services relevant to our community—making sure caregivers here aren’t overlooked. Whether that means mapping local caregiving resources or pushing for 211 coverage in other areas, our goal is clear: no caregiver should feel alone.
Comments