Did you know… that you have all of your community’s resources at your fingertips? United Way’s 2-1-1 is a FREE, easy way to get your questions answered. 2-1-1 is an Information and Referral Line available 24/7 to anyone looking for resources. 2-1-1 staff maintains a database of community resources and connects callers to the services or organizations that meet their needs. 2-1-1 is especially helpful to callers who have a “spectrum” of needs due to an emergency, such as loss of job or health issues. They can simply dial 2-1-1 and get referred to a number of agencies with one phone call.
February 11th is the perfect day to celebrate this great community service! “Help us celebrate and spread the word,” said Amy Fluno, 2-1-1 Program Director. “Each year 2-1-1 answers thousands of calls from people needing help in their local communities. We are able to find resources to many different questions like: I need help paying my heating bill, who can help me? Where can I donate gently used clothing and household items? Or, where can I get my taxes done?”
Amy continued: “You can help us by using 2-1-1 when you have community questions and by telling your friends and family to do the same. We also have 2-1-1 marketing materials to share with the community.”
In Wisconsin Rapids, Mayor Zach Vruwink has officially proclaimed February 11, 2020 as “2-1-1 Day” as well. This year there is so much to celebrate too, with the addition of the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline and the option to text your questions.
WISCONSIN ADDICTION RECOVERY HELPLINE
The 2-1-1 Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline connects people with local treatment services and recovery resources for any kind of substance use disorder, from opioids and methamphetamines to alcohol. The service is available to anyone, including people struggling themselves or those reaching out to help a friend or loved one struggling with substance dependence.
The Addiction Recovery Helpline is staffed by trained specialists, who connect callers with local treatment services and recovery resources right in their community, so action can happen as quickly as possible. People can reach the Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 833-944-4673. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.addictionhelpwi.org.
“In 2017, 916 people died in Wisconsin due to opioid overdose,” said Amy Fluno. “That’s more than the number of lives lost in car crashes. Let’s help those struggling with addiction get the help they need.”
TEXT 2-1-1 YOUR QUESTIONS
United Way’s 2-1-1 is also proud to announce TEXTING SERVICES as a way to find resources in our community. You can text your zip code to 898211 to get local resources sent right to your phone. Texting is available from 8am-4pm Monday through Friday.
“It is a great way to get resources when you’re on-the-go and cannot make a phone call,” said Amy Fluno. “Try it out today and get connected to local help in your area.”
FACTS ABOUT UNITED WAY’S 2-1-1
- There are 8 call centers in the state of Wisconsin. Every county in Wisconsin is covered by one of these call centers.
- In Wood County, 2-1-1 is a partnership between United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties and Marshfield Area United Way; and covers 13 counties from Ashland County to Juneau County.
- Each call is answered by a real person – an Information and Referral Specialist that has been trained in navigating the maze of human service programs.
- Non-English speakers are assisted through a telephone interpreting service.
- In south Wood County and Adams Counties we answered 4,658 calls in 2019 and the top three needs where: 1.) Housing and Shelter 2.) Employment and Income 3.) Mental Health and Addictions
HOW TO CONNECT WITH UNITED WAY’S 2-1-1
- Dial 2-1-1 on your phone and you will be routed to the nearest call center.
- If you have trouble getting connected, call our toll free number at 877-947-2211.
- Text your zip code to 898211.
- Visit our database of community resources at www.uwswac.org/2-1-1.
- All calls are FREE, confidential and available 24/7.
Caption: Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink recently proclaimed February 11, 2020 “2-1-1 Day.” Pictured here are Mayor Vruwink and Amy Fluno, 2-1-1 Program Director.