Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) joined the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s (AO) Winnipeg, Manitoba, chapter to announce that its members have begun providing free dental care to Holocaust survivors in need as part of the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.
The program was launched in November 2014 in response to the White House’s call to action to help Holocaust survivors age with dignity and respect. To date, the program has provided free oral care to more than 200 economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors across North America. Winnipeg is the fourth AO chapter in Canada to participate in the program, joining the Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary membership. Winnipeg chapter members began treating patients under the program in March 2016 and are currently treating 16 local survivors, with several more expected to begin receiving treatment this year.
“We at Henry Schein are very pleased to welcome yet another group of dedicated oral health professionals to the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares program,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “The Winnipeg chapter’s commitment to this program demonstrates the impact a simple act of kindness can have on the oral health, and by extension overall health, of this most deserving group of people.”
Survivors often have special oral health needs, as many suffered from prolonged nutritional deprivation and had little to no dental care access as children during World War II. The initiative provides care to people identified by the network of Jewish Family and Children’s Service agencies or other identified partner organizations, as well as people of any faith who were victims of Nazi persecution and meet the program’s other eligibility requirements. In addition to financial need, patient participation is prioritized by three critical factors: the elimination of pain, restoration of function, and lack of dental coverage. Participating clinicians determine each patient’s scope of care.
“It is a privilege to be a part of the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program and to help improve the oral health and quality of life for Holocaust survivors,” said Dr. Gary Hyman, Ambassador of AO’s Winnipeg chapter. “We are honored to be a part of this program, and we look forward to helping survivors in need within our community.”
In addition to the four Canadian cities, the program operates in Atlanta; Boston, Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York City; the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; and the Greater Washington, DC area.
“By participating in this program, Alpha Omega’s Winnipeg chapter has made it possible for local Holocaust survivors to eat without pain, communicate proudly, and smile with dignity,” said program Co-chair and AO Past International President Dr. Avi Wurman, DDS. “The chapter’s membership has quickly shown its passion for this program, and their enthusiasm gives me confidence that this indispensable program will continue to thrive in Winnipeg.”
The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program has received generous financial support from The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation and the Curt C. & Else Silberman Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., Bedford Health Care Solutions, The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., the Wagner Family Foundation, and the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc.
Please watch this video for more information about the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.
About Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity
The Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity (AO) is the oldest international Jewish dental and medical organization. Founded in 1907 at the University of Maryland School of Dental Medicine, AO has expanded into an international community of dental professionals who are guided by the tenets of professionalism, fraternalism, and commitment to Judaic values.
With over 100 alumni and student chapters in 10 countries, AO members embrace the spirit of Tikkun Olam, or healing the world through charitable endeavors. As healers, our members strive to make their communities better. For more information, please contact Heidi Weber, AO Executive Director, at hweber@ao.org.
About Henry Schein Cares
Henry Schein Cares stands on four pillars: engaging Team Schein Members to reach their potential, ensuring accountability by extending ethical business practices to all levels within Henry Schein, promoting environmental sustainability, and expanding access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief.
Firmly rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the concept of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the philosophy behind Henry Schein Cares is a vision of “doing well by doing good.” Through the work of Henry Schein Cares to enhance access to care for those in need, the Company believes that it is furthering its long-term success. “Helping Health Happen Blog” is a platform for health care professionals to share their volunteer experiences delivering assistance to those in need globally. To read more about how Henry Schein Cares is making a difference, please visit our blog: www.helpinghealthhappen.org.
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the Nasdaq 100® indexes, Henry Schein employs more than 19,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than one million customers.
The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 110,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 150,000 additional products available as special-order items. The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.
Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 33 countries. The Company’s sales reached a record $10.6 billion in 2015, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein and @HenrySchein on Twitter.
