Great Rivers 2-1-1 center sees decrease in call volume as effects of pandemic lessen

ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) -- "It's those community resources that people need to meet their everyday needs," said Carla Lundeen, Director of Great Rivers 2-1-1.

2-1-1 centers are available in 98% of the county, helping connect folks with resources for homelessness, mental health and those dealing with a crisis.

According to officials in Onalaska, call volume lately has begun to decrease.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic we saw numbers we've never seen before," said Lundeen.

In 2023, the center took over 24,000 calls, helping serve over 21 counties throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

"Most of those calls were calling for mental health and addictions," said Lundeen.

Lundeen says their seeing similar numbers in 2024 compared to last year.

"So, we think we're getting to what our baseline is after COVID which is about anywhere between 60 to 90 calls per day," said Lundeen.

She says providing these services is important because it connects people to resources including housing assistance, paying for utilities, and access to food.

"But the only thing worse than if we didn't have these resources is to have them and not know about them," said Lundeen.

Helping connect people with current, reliable and up to date resources that are available throughout the community.

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