According to publicly available information, Connecticut 211 makes approximately 1.8 million connections to services and benefits each year through its phone, website, and referral systems. Demand for assistance has increased by more than 300% since 2019, resulting in extended wait times that can reach hours during peak periods, underscoring both the value of 211 and the growing need for additional community resources and support.

Publicly available information shows that DMHAS serves approximately 94,000 Connecticut residents each year. With Connecticut’s 2025 population estimated at 3.69 million, and assuming the national estimate that 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health challenge in a given year, roughly 738,000 residents could benefit from mental health or peer support services. This suggests that Connecticut’s publicly funded behavioral health system reaches only a fraction of those who may need support, highlighting the importance of strengthening community resources and expanding peer-led services.

Again using available information we also know that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) provides benefits and services to more than 1.3 million residents each year. As demand for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and cash assistance has increased, the agency has experienced significant call volumes, with reported average call wait times exceeding 40 minutes during some periods.