STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AmeriCares has awarded its annual "Power of Partnership" award to Baxter International Inc., a global biotechnology, medical device and specialty pharmaceutical company. Baxter was recognized today at the Healthcare Distribution Management Association's (HDMA) Annual Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Maryland.

The "Power of Partnership" award was created by AmeriCares and HDMA to recognize medical manufacturing and distribution organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to expanding access to medicines and health care for disadvantaged populations in the developing world and here at home.

"We depend on our friends in the corporate world and their willingness to aid our efforts in providing humanitarian aid both here in the United States and in our programs abroad," said AmeriCares President and CEO, Curt Welling. "Baxter is a key contributor to not only our disaster-specific relief efforts, but towards expanding our ability to provide ongoing medical assistance in the developing world, enabling us to help people around the world live longer, healthier lives."

Baxter's partnership with AmeriCares began over 20 years ago and continues to strengthen through not only donated products but addressing infrastructure needs. In 2006, The Baxter International Foundation provided a grant to help AmeriCares establish a new warehouse in India to expand AmeriCares' geographic reach and speed access to essential medicines which would enhance healthcare services in Africa and Asia.

Throughout its relationship with AmeriCares, Baxter has shown considerable dedication towards ensuring that those who need their donations the most receive their products in a timely fashion. In the past few months, Baxter has continued to demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to AmeriCares relief efforts. When Cyclone Nargis struck in May, AmeriCares was one of the first nonprofits to airlift supplies directly into Myanmar. Baxter India joined the relief efforts, offering over 1 million units of IV fluids and allowing AmeriCares to deliver their products despite the constraints imposed by Myanmar's government. Later this summer, when a massive earthquake rocked China, Baxter was there once again contributing $25,000 to our work in Sichuan.

"HDMA is proud to partner with AmeriCares again this year to achieve our shared mission of advancing medical relief efforts on behalf of patients in need," said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray. "These partnerships across the health care supply chain are invaluable in facilitating the continued delivery of medicines, supplies and services to where they are most needed. We congratulate Baxter on this year's Power of Partnership award, and we believe their efforts are a true reflection of HDMA member companies' spirit, leadership and commitment to answering the 'call to action' for humanitarian assistance."

"As a company dedicated to saving and sustaining lives, it's gratifying to have a partner like AmeriCares to ensure that our products reach those who need them most," said Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Baxter chairman and chief executive officer. "In times of disaster and for others in need, organizations like ours must band together to make a positive impact around the world."

About AmeriCares:
AmeriCares is a private, nonprofit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world. Sine it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $8 billion in humanitarian aid to 137 countries. For more information, log onto www.americares.org.

About HDMA:
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than eight million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 145,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics, government and other providers in all 50 states. This essential public health function is provided with tremendous efficiency, saving the nation's healthcare system nearly $34 billion each year. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system, working daily to provide value, remove costs and develop innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.

About Baxter:
Baxter International Inc. develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.

AmeriCares

AmeriCares

AmeriCares is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States. Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $10 billion in humanitarian aid to 147 countries. For more information, visit www.AmeriCares.org.

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