By Grace Newton
United Way of Dane County

Every day, nearly one hundred people turn to the United Way of Dane County 2-1-1 for information about local organizations that provide critical services related to food pantries, housing options, rent payment assistance, employment, health care and much more. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline that connects people from all communities and of all ages to essential health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in almost any language.

In addition to the regular referrals 2-1-1 is able to make, 2-1-1 now hosts the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline, a statewide resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services of any kind. 2-1-1’s Addiction Recovery Helpline can help people connect to inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, support options, legal services, insurance information, counseling and education and harm reduction resources. 

This program launched in October 2018 and is supported by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

From concerned family members and friends to individuals struggling with substance dependence, the Wisconsin Addition Recovery Helpline is for everyone affected by addiction. The helpline is staffed by trained specialists who can connect callers with recovery resources in their area. 2-1-1 staff will work with the caller to identify problems and underlying issues, problem solve to create a plan of action, provide referrals to services and organizations that can address the problem and finally follow up with the caller to see how the situation has progressed. 

To reach the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline, call 2-1-1 or 833-944-4673, text 898211 or visit addictionhelpwi.org. This service is available every hour of the day or night.

2-1-1 is always looking for dedicated volunteers to take calls. If this is a way you are interested in giving back in 2019, email grace.newton@uwdc.org.