Henry Schein's Sixth Annual 'Think Pink, Practice Pink' Program Sustains Support for American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge Program

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, is offering its Dental, Dental Laboratory, Medical, and Special Markets customers a wide selection of "pink products" as part of the Company's "Think Pink, Practice Pink" program.  Through the end of December, a portion of the sales of these special products—ranging from health care consumables and practice supplies to apparel and gift items—will be donated to the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Hope Lodge Program through the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works to foster, support, and promote dental, medical, and animal health by improving the health and quality of life for communities around the world.

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"'Think Pink, Practice Pink' uses the combined strength of Team Schein, our supplier partners and our customers to help fight cancer and support the important work of the American Cancer Society," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein.  "Each year 'Think Pink, Practice Pink' has grown in scope and importance, and it has become one of the flagship initiatives of Henry Schein Cares, our Company's global social responsibility program.  We are proud to once again donate a portion of the proceeds from 'Think Pink' to the Hope Lodge program."

In its first five years, Henry Schein's "Think Pink, Practice Pink" has raised more than $460,000 for cancer care which has enabled the Henry Schein Cares Foundation to dedicate the Henry Schein Cares Welcome Center at the ACS Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center in New York City.  This gift, which will total $500,000, is the single largest financial donation to date of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation.

Through "Think Pink, Practice Pink," Henry Schein helps the ACS raise awareness of breast cancer and other cancers, and supports care provided through ACS Hope Lodges.  ACS Hope Lodge is a network of free temporary housing services throughout the country where cancer patients and their loved ones are given a comfortable and supportive place to stay during their treatment and are provided with information to help them make decisions about disease treatment.  

"Henry Schein's 'Think Pink, Practice Pink' program provides direct support to our American Cancer Society Hope Lodges across the nation," said Don Distasio, CEO of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division. "By engaging health care product manufacturers and health care practitioners, 'Think Pink, Practice Pink' is saving and improving many thousands of lives."

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which the American Cancer Society and many national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies spread the message that early detection of breast cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives.

About American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and services. With more than two million volunteers nationwide, the ACS is one of the oldest and largest voluntary health agencies in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices.

Each ACS Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their families a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. It provides a nurturing, home-like environment where patients and caregivers can retreat to private rooms or connect with others who are going through many of the same experiences. Every Hope Lodge also offers a variety of resources and information about cancer and how best to fight the disease. There is access to the ACS 24-hour toll-free call center and Web site, as well as a comprehensive on-site library designed to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.

Currently, there are 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States. Accommodations and eligibility requirements may vary by location, and room availability is first come, first served. To find a Hope Lodge and to learn more about a specific facility, please visit that location's page, or call the ACS toll free anytime, day or night, at 1-800-ACS-2345.

About Henry Schein Cares

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

Established in 2008, 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 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.