New $100,000 Salvation Army Disaster Response Unit, Donated By UnitedHealthcare To Be Unveiled During Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade: Pittsburgh's Mayor And Fire Chief To Speak At Post-Parade Dedication Ceremony

PITTSBURGH, March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, March 14th, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania will be unveiling its new custom $100,000 Disaster Response Unit (DRU) to the public during Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Over 70 volunteers from UnitedHealthcare, the generous donor of this unit, will march alongside with their mascot, Dr. Health E. Hound, to show their support of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.   "UnitedHealthcare is very proud to support the Salvation Army and the people of Allegheny County, especially during times when care and compassion are needed most," said Heather Cianfrocco, President of UnitedHealthcare and Chairperson of the Greater Pittsburgh Salvation Army Advisory Board.  "With a dedicated staff of 1,500 employees living and working in western PA and nearly 5,000 employees across the state, UnitedHealthcare continues to improve health care in the state of Pennsylvania through broad experience, expertise, information and innovation."

The new Disaster Response Unit will help Salvation Army workers and volunteers better serve the community by providing meals to needy and displaced residents during and after fires, floods and other natural disasters.  Following the parade, community representatives and media are invited to a dedication ceremony to commemorate this special gift.  The City of Pittsburgh's Mayor, William Peduto; and Fire Chief, Darryl Jones, will be present to talk about the importance of The Salvation Army in general and as a support system for local firefighters.

Major William H. Bode, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division, said, "Having the proper equipment is so important in being able to effectively and efficiently serve in times of great need.  The new unit is a huge blessing to our aging fleet, and we are eternally grateful for the generosity of UnitedHealthcare in making it possible.  We thank God for friends and partners who express their support of the citizens of Allegheny County in times of greatest need."

The DRU is outfitted with the latest equipment and technology to assist disaster response personnel in helping community members and first responders during and after emergency situations. The custom-designed and built unit features a fully functional kitchen where workers and volunteers can prepare meals to feed approximately 2,500 people per day.   The DRU will be on display for photographs at the dedication ceremony at The Wyndham Grand Hotel following the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.  Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good ... for the most people ... in the most need.

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division