Henry Schein Cares Calendar of Caring Community Wellness Program Expands Access To Oral Health Care For Underserved

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein Cares, the global corporate social responsibility program of Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners, is once again helping expand access to quality oral health care for underserved and at-risk populations through the Calendar of Caring Community Wellness Program. 

The Henry Schein Cares Calendar of Caring Community Wellness Program will donate a total of $200,000 in funds and in-kind services to non-profit organizations that alleviate disparities in oral health care services for the underserved: The Children's Dental Health Project, The Oral Health America Wisdom Tooth Project®, the American Dental Association's Give Kids A Smile Program; and Dental Lifeline Network.  

"Oral disease is a silent epidemic among society's youngest and most vulnerable members," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc.  "Henry Schein Cares is grateful for the participation of our customers and proud to support the vital work of organizations that are combatting the crisis of oral disease in this country. We look forward to introducing this initiative in other markets where we have operations, and congratulate our team in Canada for launching their own Calendar of Caring program earlier this year."

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease, and nearly one in four children under the age of five already have cavities.  According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the majority of these children come from underserved communities.  Numerous studies have found that there is a strong link between oral health and overall health, including links between periodontal disease and diabetes, coronary heart disease, preterm birth, and low birth weights.

The donation made by the Henry Schein Cares Calendar of Caring Community Wellness Program is the result of proceeds from purchases made by Henry Schein's customers and matching grants made by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and promotes dental, medical, and animal health by helping to increase access to care globally. 

To view the Henry Schein Cares Calendar of Caring, please visit www.henryschein.com/CalendarOfCaring.

About Henry Schein Cares and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation
Henry Schein Cares, Henry Schein's global corporate social responsibility program, 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.

Established in 2008, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, works to foster, support, and promote dental, medical, and animal health by helping to increase access to care for communities around the world.  The Henry Schein Cares Foundation carries out its mission through financial and health care product donations that support 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. 

To learn more about the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, please visit: www.hscaresfoundation.org.  The "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: http://helpinghealthhappen.org/.

About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health 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 NASDAQ 100® Index, Henry Schein employs more than 15,500 Team Schein Members and serves more than 775,000 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 96,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 110,000 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 25 countries.  The Company's sales reached a record $8.9 billion in 2012, and have grown at a compound annual rate of 17 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.  For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.