For More Than 13,000 Children in Need, the Path 'Back to School' Has Run Through Henry Schein

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1998, when 150 Long Island children gathered in Henry Schein's cafeteria in Melville, N.Y. to receive new outfits and backpacks filled with school supplies, it would have been difficult to predict that such a modest beginning would grow into an annual event that now marks the end of summer and has benefitted more than 13,000 children in need from communities across North America.  Now in its 14th year, Henry Schein's "Back to School" program is eagerly anticipated by the children who participate, the human service organizations that serve them, and the Team Schein Members who sponsor the children.

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For 2011, Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, is helping a record nearly 2,500 children in 16 U.S. and Canadian cities return to the classroom well-dressed and well-prepared.  The largest of the "Back to School" events took place yesterday at the Company's world headquarters on Long Island, where 600 children identified by 10 local human service organizations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties participated.  At the "Back to School" picnic event, which featured dinner, games, and music, the children received their new outfits personally selected and paid for by Team Schein Members, and backpacks filled with school supplies, books and hygiene products.  Additional Henry Schein "Back to School" events are taking place this year in Denver, Pa.; Sparks, Nev.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Bastian, Va.; Indianapolis, Ind.; West Allis, Wis.; Grapevine, Texas; American Fork, Utah; Greenville, S.C.; Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; Calgary, Alberta; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Concord, Ontario.

"Nothing is better than the smile of a child who has opened a box filled with new clothes and a backpack stuffed with what they need for a new school year," said Gerry Benjamin, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Henry Schein.  "This is a rewarding and special experience for Team Schein, as well as the supplier partners and local businesses that have donated products or provided other support to our 'Back to School' program.  It is wonderful to give to people in need in our local communities and to know that we are helping to enhance the overall wellness of the participating children."    

The "Back to School" program is a flagship program of Henry Schein Cares, the Company's global social responsibility program, and is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works to foster, support, and promote dental, medical, and animal health by helping to increase access to care for communities around the world.

To help identify children to participate in the 2011 "Back to School" event at Henry Schein's headquarters, the Company partnered with Bethany House, Madonna Heights, McCoy Family Center, the Department of Social Services in Westbury, Family Service League, Yes Community Counseling, Habitat for Humanity, MPowering Kids, the Family and Children's Association, and the Hispanic Counseling Center in Hempstead.

"Henry Schein's 'Back to School' event is a day that we have had circled on our calendar for a long time," said Gladys Serrano, Director of the Hispanic Counseling Center, a first-time "Back to School" partner in 2011.  "Especially in these challenging economic times, the children who we serve need support as they return to school.  The clothing and supplies that the people of Henry Schein provide, as well as the fun-filled party that they throw for the children and their parents, is a wonderful way for these children to start a new school year."

About Henry Schein Cares

Henry Schein Cares enhances access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world.  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 firmly believes that it is furthering its long-term success.

About Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc.

Established in 2008, Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc. carries out its mission through financial and health care product donations to non-profit organizations supporting health care professionals and community-based programs focused on prevention, wellness, and treatment; disaster preparedness and relief; and capacity building of health institutions that provide training and care.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index.  The Company is recognized for its excellent customer service and highly competitive prices.  Henry Schein's five businesses – Dental, Medical, Animal Health, International and Technology – serve more than 700,000 customers worldwide, including dental practitioners and laboratories, physician practices and animal health practices, as well as government and other institutions.  The Company operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 200 countries with a comprehensive selection of more than 90,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 100,000 additional products available as special-order items.  Henry Schein also provides exclusive, innovative technology offerings for dental, medical and veterinary professionals, including value-added practice management software and electronic health record solutions.

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein employs more than 14,000 people and has operations or affiliates in 25 countries.  The Company's net sales reached a record $7.5 billion in 2010.  For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com. 

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.