UnitedHealth Group Supports People Affected by Recent Shootings at Umpqua Community College

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the health benefits and services companies of UnitedHealth Group UNH, are taking immediate action to support people affected by the recent shootings at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore. The company is opening Optum's Help Line, providing affected residents access to specially trained mental health specialists.

"Unexpected violence of this nature can lead to feelings of shock, grief, fear or anger," said William C. Bonfield M.D., M.P.H., chief medical officer, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions. "It can be helpful for people to talk through these reactions with caring professionals."

Optum's toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. The help line offers specially trained Optum mental health specialists to help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs.

Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.

"We are greatly saddened by this thoughtless tragedy, and our sympathies and condolences go out to the victim's families," said Tandy Kooch-Cleaver, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Oregon. "We will continue to monitor this situation and work with local officials to support the community's needs."

About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group UNH is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on Twitter.

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