Vermont 2-1-1 warns funding cut could hinder new Epic ‘closed‑loop’ referral work with UVM Health

United Way of Vermont’s Vermont 2‑1‑1 on Monday briefed a legislative committee on the service’s statewide role, a proposed $332,000 reduction in state funding and a new “closed‑loop” referral connection with UVM Health Network’s Epic electronic health record intended to improve how clinical screening connects patients to community services. Allison Lamagna, executive director of United Way of Vermont and Vermont 2‑1‑1, told the committee that 2‑1‑1 provides free, 24/7 access to community resources by phone, text and an online database and is nationally accredited.

Lamagna said the service’s database contains more than 11,000 listings and that in 2025 Vermont 2‑1‑1 responded to more than 61,000 contacts and made over 22,000 referrals, with housing among the most-requested topics. “A fully funded Vermont 2‑1‑1 is essential to keeping Vermont’s social‑support system strong,” she said, warning that the governor’s proposed cut of $332,000 “would directly impact our core services…