MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc., the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, announced today the creation of the Henry Schein Cares Medal, which will be awarded annually to organizations that demonstrate excellence in expanding access to care for the underserved.
The Henry Schein Cares Medal reflects the Company's commitment, since its founding in 1932, to serving society. Through the Henry Schein Cares global corporate social responsibility program, the Company uses its resources to support health care professionals around the world who provide care for those who would otherwise receive little or no medical attention. The medal will honor organizations whose work has been especially effective in bringing care to those in need.
Nine finalists will be selected among applicants from the fields of oral health, animal health and medical health. From those nine finalists, a medalist will be selected from each field, for a total of three medalists. Each of the nine finalists will receive $10,000 worth of product from Henry Schein, Inc. for use in caring for the underserved, and each of the three medalists will receive an additional $15,000 in cash from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc. to support their charitable work. The finalists will be notified in January 2016, and the medalists will be announced at a gala event in New York City later in 2016.
"Our Company has been built on the concept of doing well by doing good," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. "But we also know that we cannot do good by ourselves. Our work is enriched by the selfless health care practitioners – dentists, physicians, veterinarians, and their teams – who volunteer to care for those in need. To support their work, we have established the Henry Schein Cares Medal, which will recognize their contribution to society and encourage others to follow in their footsteps."
To be considered a candidate for this award, applicants must be a non-profit organization or trust that is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and that is a public charity (not a private foundation). The applicant should demonstrate that the program has expanded access to health care for the underserved in a novel and innovative way that is measurable and quantifiable. Emphasis will be placed on expanding access to health care for children (birth to age 18), although all efforts to expand access to care will be considered, including those involving animal health. Programs also should involve an established multi-disciplinary team that demonstrates the expertise needed for a comprehensive solution to expand access to care. Lastly, programs should demonstrate potential for replication and large-scale impact, and should include a business plan or demonstration of financial sustainability. Nominations will be accepted beginning August 17, 2015, through midnight Eastern time on November 1, 2015.
A panel of expert judges from the fields of medicine, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and business will evaluate the applications and select the finalists and medalists.
For more information on the program, and to apply for the award, please visit https://www.hscaresfoundation.org/apply.asp
