Henry Schein, Inc. joined the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s (AO) 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 Programme.
The programme 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 programme 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 programme, joining the Montreal, Toronto and Calgary membership. Winnipeg chapter members began treating patients under the programme 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 programme,” said Mr. Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “The Winnipeg chapter’s commitment to this programme 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 organisations, as well as people of any faith who were victims of Nazi persecution and meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements. In addition to financial need, patient participation is prioritised by three critical factors: 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 Programme 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 honoured to be a part of this programme, and we look forward to helping survivors in need within our community.”
In addition to the four Canadian cities, the programme operates in Atlanta; Boston, Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York City; New York/New Jersey metropolitan area; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; and Greater Washington, DC area.
“By participating in this programme, Alpha Omega’s Winnipeg chapter has made it possible for local Holocaust survivors to eat without pain, communicate proudly, and smile with dignity,” said programme co-chair and AO Past International President Avi Wurman, DDS. “The chapter’s membership has quickly shown its passion for this programme, and their enthusiasm gives me confidence that this indispensable programme will continue to thrive in Winnipeg.”
The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Programme 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., Wagner Family Foundation, and Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc.
