MINNEAPOLIS : UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which helps victims of countless crises around the world, including the recent earthquake in Haiti. In addition, the company will match employee contributions to charitable partner Global Impact, dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Also, OptumHealth, UnitedHealth Group’s health and wellness business, is providing a free emotional-support help line for people in the United States that may have relatives or friends in Haiti. Staffed by experienced behavioral health specialists, the help line offers assistance to callers seeking help in dealing with stress, anxiety and the grieving process.

The toll-free help line number is 1-866-342-689 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge. Resources and information are also available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.

The American Red Cross is releasing emergency supplies from its warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of thousands of families in Haiti. In addition, the American Red Cross is deploying six disaster management specialists to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief efforts.

“We are working with the American Red Cross so that it may provide medical assistance and necessary resources for the people who are affected by this devastating earthquake. Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti and all their friends and loved ones,” said Rosa Cozad, president of UnitedHealthcare of Florida.

“Generous donations are critical to the ability of the American Red Cross to provide help and hope for the people of Haiti during their time of need,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We are rushing supplies and disaster management staff to Haiti in the aftermath of this earthquake, and are grateful for UnitedHealth Group’s support of our humanitarian mission.”

“We have chosen Global Impact for our corporate match because it works with the most respected charities active in Haiti including Americares, Doctors without Borders, Mercy Corp, Oxfam, CARE, Save the Children, UNICEF and many others,” said Jeannine Rivet, executive vice president at UnitedHealth Group.

People interested in providing additional assistance can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS ( 1-800-733-276 ). The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

UnitedHealth Group is an American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) Member and provides continued support for American Red Cross critical relief efforts.