Henry Schein accepting applications for Henry Schein Cares Medal

This video still shows the 2017 Henry Schein Cares gold medal winner: Guiding Eyes for the Blind.Henry Schein Inc. is now accepting applications for its third annual Henry Schein Cares Medal program. The program recognizes animal health organizations that expand access to care for the underserved. The application deadline is midnight Eastern time on October 5, 2017.

The Henry Schein Cares Medal is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company's global corporate responsibility program, which supports healthcare professionals around the world who provide care for those who would otherwise receive little or no medical attention. Recipients will also be chosen in human oral health and human medicine fields.

A panel of expert judges will select three finalists from among the applicants, ultimately awarding a gold, silver and bronze medal. Each medalist will receive a cash award: $15,000 for gold, $10,000 for silver, and $5,000 for bronze. In addition, each finalist will also receive $10,000 worth of Henry Schein product. 

"We at Henry Schein understand that public health is better protected when those who care for underserved and at-risk communities receive the support they need to fulfill their mission," says Jennifer Kim Field, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Henry Schein. "We believe the financial grant and product donation each Henry Schein Cares Medal winner receives will enhance their ability to deliver high-quality medical treatment to the people and animals who need it most."

How to apply

To be considered a candidate for the medal, an applicant must be a nonprofit organization or trust that is tax-exempt under IRS section 501(c)(3) and that is a public charity. The applicant should demonstrate that the program has expanded access to healthcare for the underserved in a novel and innovative way that's both measurable and quantifiable.

Programs also should:

> involve an established multidisciplinary team that demonstrates the expertise needed for a comprehensive solution to expand access to care

> demonstrate potential for replication and large-scale impact

> include a business plan or demonstration of financial sustainability.

Finalists will be announced in January 2018, and the medals will be awarded at the 2018 national sales meetings for Henry Schein's animal health division.

To apply for the award, visit www.hscaresfoundation.org/us-en/sites/HSCaresFoundation/HSC-Medal.asp.

2017 honorees

The second annual Henry Schein Cares Medal winners were announced earlier this year. Click each link for a short video of each organization's work.

> Gold: Guiding Eyes for the Blind (Yorktown Heights, New York)

> Silver: First Coast No More Homeless Pets (Jacksonville, Florida)

> Bronze: Animal Care Centers of NYC (New York, New York).