WARSAW, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medical device manufacturer Biomet, Inc. has donated two shipments containing adult and pediatric orthopedic trauma and fracture management devices to the Haitian relief effort. Biomet has also donated 16,000 braces designed to help patients with leg fractures regain mobility while their injuries heal.
The total value of the donated medical devices is estimated to be at least $3.1 million. Most of the product donated was manufactured by Biomet’s Trauma division, located in Parsippany, NJ.
The first shipment of Biomet® product was donated to the United Aid Foundation (UAF). The medical devices donated by Biomet will be utilized by the current UAF team of 11 doctors and nurses to treat disaster victims at a facility located on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
A second shipment of Biomet® product was donated to the World Vision organization. This donation of medical devices has been sent to the organization’s 90,000 square foot distribution center, recently opened in Miami, Florida, through which large quantities of emergency and recovery goods are then sent to Haiti.
Biomet has also made cash contributions to the American Red Cross and additional contributions of product through other organizations. These contributions include devices to assist in the repair of skull and jaw fractures, which are manufactured by Biomet Microfixation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jeff Binder, President and CEO of Biomet, Inc., stated, “We have an obligation to help the people of Haiti heal from the devastation they have experienced. The challenges facing Haiti, and the volunteers from the medical profession, cannot be overstated. We are proud to be part of this global aid effort to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people, and to support the medical volunteers who are working around the clock to treat the injured.”
Glen Kashuba, President of Biomet’s Trauma Division, stated, “The horrific devastation and human suffering taking place in Haiti are heart wrenching. This type of tragedy demands medical assistance of every kind, including the treatment of traumatic injuries afflicting both adults and children. Our Trauma division team members coordinated tirelessly with volunteer U.S. surgeons on the ground in Haiti to determine the types of devices most urgently required by the relief effort.”
Biomet continues to work with relief agencies and doctors to identify additional supply requirements, and intends to continue its support through future donations.
ABOUT BIOMET
Biomet, Inc. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market products used primarily by musculoskeletal medical specialists in both surgical and non-surgical therapy. Biomet’s product portfolio encompasses reconstructive products, including orthopedic joint replacement devices, bone cements and accessories, autologous therapies and dental reconstructive implants; fixation products, including electrical bone growth stimulators, internal and external orthopedic fixation devices, craniomaxillofacial implants and bone substitute materials; spinal products, including spinal stimulation devices, spinal hardware and orthobiologics; and other products, such as arthroscopy products and softgoods and bracing products. Headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Biomet and its subsidiaries currently distribute products in approximately 90 countries.
ABOUT THE UNITED AID FOUNDATION (UAF)
The United Aid Foundation was formed in 2005 as a non-profit organization. The UAF has assisted with the Sri Lanka tsunami relief efforts, hurricane Katrina relief efforts and supported orphanages overseas. The organization has now focused their attention on Haiti. For further information on the UAF, visit www.unitedaidfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE WORLD VISION ORGANIZATION
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization established in 1950, dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide. The organization serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. For further information about World Vision, visit www.worldvision.org.
Contact:
Biomet, Inc. Bill Kolter, Corporate Vice-President, Public Affairs, 574-372-1535 bill.kolter@biomet.com
