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Henry Schein and Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity welcome Winnipeg Chapter into free oral health program for Holocaust survivors

The Winnipeg chapter of the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity is joining a Henry Schein Cares program to provide oral health care to Holocaust survivors. (Image: Henry Schein Inc.)

Thu. 8 September 2016

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MELVILLE, N.Y., USA: Henry Schein Inc. joined the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s 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 CEO 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, D.C., 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.

A video with more information about the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program is available online, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc0PJGnVnCI&feature=youtu.be.

(Source: Henry Schein Inc.)
 

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