Powered by 211: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Scaling 211 capabilities and strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Full Project Name:Powered by 211: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in WisconsinPrimary Community Organization:211 Wisconsin, Inc.Award Amount:$366,524.00

Award Date

April2020

Project Duration:9 months

Project Description Narrative:

Across Wisconsin, 211 has served as a trusted connection point for residents seeking to access accurate information and community resources 24 hours a day through phone, text, chat, and online capabilities. Early in Wisconsin's response to COVID-19, 211 began serving as a point for accessible, accurate, and evidence-based information that allows residents to protect themselves, access appropriate medical care and testing, and meet basic needs. Through this award, 211 Wisconsin will leverage existing networks to scale its capabilities and implement new strategies that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and wellbeing of residents across Wisconsin.

Additional community partners: Impact 211, United Way of Dane County, Gunderson Health-Great Rivers 211, United Way Fox Cities, United Way of Marathon County, Brown County United Way, United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties, United Way of St. Croix Valley, United Way of Wisconsin

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Leveraged existing relationships to scale the 2-1-1 system in Wisconsin to handle more than 63,000 COVID-related contacts, a 40% increase in calls over the same period the previous year, which resulted in more than 81,500 referrals
Launched five separate social media campaigns in English, Spanish, and Hmong to promote safety and access to resources, reaching more an audience of more than 3,200,000 viewers
Reached 1,317 individuals who expressed emotional distress with more than 2,451 contacts by staff and volunteers in nine counties (Dane County, Door County, Dunn County, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee & Waukesha County, Washington County, Marathon County, and St. Croix Valley)
Leveraged over $1.8M through multiple grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and United Way Worldwide Caregiver Outreach