Henry Schein and the International College of Dentists (ICD) Global Visionary Fund (GVF) have partnered to donate oral hygiene products to a health awareness and education initiative at Fleur de Vie, an outreach program, during a back to school program in Haiti. From September to December 2018, more than 400 elementary school students attended a one-day program and took part in health education, physical fitness, and recreational activities.
During the day, the pupils received school suppliers for the year as well as new toothbrushes and toothpaste. Information in French and Haitian Creole also was provided to the parents to encourage them to teach their children proper oral health practices. Plus, the children received oral health screenings and education on how to properly use their new toothbrushes and how to floss by Dr. Mario Sajous, a local dentist and member of the dental faculty of the State University of Haiti. The project will continue in 2019.
“Every child deserves not only the opportunity to return to school confident in the knowledge that they have the tools to succeed, but also the best healthcare possible. This Fleur de Vie project not only offers an important help for many families providing students with exactly what they need to meet the challenges of a new school year, but also combines this worthwhile course with oral health prevention and education initiatives that are so crucial for the student’s total health,” said Jennifer Kim Field, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Henry Schein. “We are very happy to be able to support this initiative in cooperation with the ICD.”
Fleur de Vie is a non-for-profit organization that works with and supports initiatives to implement social change in communities around the world. At the grassroots level, it organizes programs that promote transparency and ensures the focus remains on benefitting the vulnerable and poor of populations that need it the most. It collaborates with other not-for-profits that work in education, health, and environmental sustainability with the most long-term impact.
Henry Schein’s product donation is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program. Its support of Fleur de Vie is part of its long-term partnership with the ICD GVF. In conjunction with this partnership, the ICD has inducted Sajous as well as Drs. Jacque Denis and Tony Cajouste Jean-Pierre, also of Haiti, into the Fellowship of the College in recognition of their professional achievements and service to the community.
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