Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the 211 service is one of the most trusted points of information for the public when it comes to health and human services.
“The volume of public interest and public questions has increased dramatically and we want to make sure that we’re really able to get good, helpful information to folks about how to protect themselves, protect their families, and protect their loved ones,” said Billioux.
The 211 service has previously been used in natural disasters like hurricanes. Billioux says the department has previously had a 1-800 information line for COVID-19, but it was only staffed from 8am to 4:30 PM. 211 will answer questions 24/7.
“Many of our communities and our neighbors, know them well from times of disaster when 211 is at our side as our best partner in letting people know how to respond to that natural disaster and where resources are,” said Billioux.
Billioux says the service can be used to debunk misleading information about the virus that may be spreading on social media.
“The most important thing we can do is to make sure that important information is out there so that people can take the right steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Billioux.
There is also a text alert system available by texting LACOVID to 898-211
