PRESS RELEASE

UnitedHealth Group Supporting People Affected by Mass Shooting in Thousand Oaks

November 08, 2018
  • Optum's Emotional-Support Help Line, 866-342-6892, provides access to specially trained mental health specialists to help people manage their stress and anxiety

  • Toll-free help line is available around the clock, and is free of charge and open to anyone

UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the health benefits and services businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), are opening Optum's Emotional-Support Help Line, providing access to specially trained mental health specialists to support people affected by the recent mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California.  

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. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.

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

"Unexpected violence and loss can result in feelings of fear, panic, grief or guilt among people who have a connection to the event and others in the community, or even those who are watching it on the news," said Martin H. Rosenzweig, M.D., chief medical officer, Optum Behavioral Solutions. "These feelings can emerge days or even weeks later. Talking through these reactions with caring professionals is an important source of support during difficult times."

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health care 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.