Social Worker Julie Fogel talks about her work with the county's Crisis Unit.
For over 20 years, social worker Julie Fogel has been a compassionate force in La Crosse County’s Crisis Unit, which is part of the county's Human Services Department. “There truly is no typical day,” Fogel shares. “We respond to crises in the community, at hospitals, at the jail—wherever help is needed.”
Operating 24/7, the Crisis Unit handled 4,366 calls in 2024 alone, a contrast to the early days when Fogel relied on pagers and payphones, receiving just a handful of calls per week. “Now, we sometimes get five calls in a couple of hours,” she notes, attributing the rise to increased awareness and reduced stigma around seeking help.
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have also heightened the demand for mental health support. “People are still struggling with the transition back to normalcy,” Fogel explains. Despite the challenges, she finds fulfillment in her work: “Watching people grow and seeing where they are now—it’s their determination that makes a difference.” Fogel credits the strength of the Crisis Unit’s team, saying, “We truly function as a team.” Her message to the community: “There is always hope, and there is always help.”
Need support? Call the 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team at 608-784-HELP (4357) or call or text 988.