Multiple tornadoes over the weekend had devastating effects on communities throughout Iowa. As communities continue to assess the damage, many residents are left without power, have structural damage, and may have suffered injuries or the loss of loved ones.

For those affected, Optum is offering a free emotional support help line. This help line will provide those affected access to specially trained mental health specialists. The company’s public toll-free help line number, 866-447-3573, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge and open to anyone. Specially trained Optum mental health specialists 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, log in to Optum’s Live and Work Well website for additional emotional-support resources and information, including articles, guides, self-help tools and videos on coping with stress, practicing mindfulness, and building resiliency.

• Full-time employees enrolled in Discount Tire’s United Healthcare plan (all states except Michigan) will log in with their UHC/Optum Healthsafe ID.
• All other employees may choose the option to browse as a guest and use Company Code DTC.

Keyword searches on liveandworkwell.com will help you quickly access the following resource centers:

• Coping Center: Type the keyword “coping” into the search bar, select Coping. Here you’ll find articles, guides, self-help tools, and videos on coping with stress.
• Disaster Planning & Recovery Center: Type the keyword “disaster” into the search bar, select the Disaster Planning & Recovery Center. Here you’ll find information on preparing for and recovering from natural disasters and links to national organizations too.

Safety Tips:

• Follow the advice of your local officials, including evacuation instructions.
• Do not return to your home until authorities state it is safe.
• Watch for dangerous conditions such as debris and downed power lines.
• Check in with your family and friends regularly.
• If you suffer property damage/loss, be sure to take photos to help with insurance claims.
• Prepare for future disasters by creating a disaster plan and emergency kit.

Bruce T. Halle Assistance Fund

The Bruce T. Halle Assistance Fund provides basic assistance to employees who incur extraordinary expenses, damages, or losses as a result of disasters or other emergency hardship situations. If you have been affected by the recent severe weather and would like to apply to the fund, please fill out this Natural Disaster Relief application.

Additional National Resources

• FEMA (Information about Federal Assistance) – www.fema.gov
• American Red Cross – www.redcross.org/
• CDC (Emergency Preparedness) – emergency.cdc.gov/
• Ready.gov (Preparation and Recovery) – www.ready.gov