By dialing 211 Missourians will have greater access to community programs and services that deal with health and social issues.

The Missouri Foundation for Health teamed up with the United Way of Greater St. Louis to fund and staff the service.

James Kimmey is the president of the Missouri Foundation for Health.

He said the questions about vaccinations to food banks can be answered through this service.

The program is currently available to 99 counties across the state but Kimmey says the whole state should be covered by early 2008.

211 is a free service that is available 24 hours a day.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Carly Robertson.

The free service is currently available in many metropolitan areas and almost 100 counties throughout the state and is projected to be available to the whole state by early next year.

Kay Archer is the United Way official who directs the program.

She says she hopes that one day 211 will be as well known as other free services such as 911 and 411.

Staffers for 211 are trained to use a computer database that can give contacts for information from vaccinations to tax help, to childcare services.

The Missouri Foundation for Health along with the United Way have funded the program, collectively pledging about 8.5 million dollars.

Missouri is the 21st state to provide this service statewide.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Carly Robertson.