GREENVILLE, Wis., March 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SSI Guardian, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of School Specialty, Inc. (OTCQB:SCOO), announced today the addition of North American Rescue, a leader in casualty response kits as a part of its security solutions offering.
North American Rescue, LLC (NAR) is a premier medical and rescue product company with the mission of providing solutions that have a direct correlation to decreasing preventable death in Tactical Medicine and Rescue. NAR’s Public Access Bleeding Control products have been specifically developed to provide bystanders and initial first responders with quick and easy access to essential medical equipment to stop life-threatening bleeding in public buildings and populated public areas.
Commenting on today’s news, Michael A. Yorio, President of SSI Guardian stated, “Every classroom, every school and every university in North America should be prepared for serious bleeding incidents and the NAR casualty response kits are that solution.”
SSI Guardian continues to set the new standard in safe school training through its evidenced-based advanced training curriculum that empowers educators and staff with best practices for security that not only prepares them for violent threats but also teaches valuable prevention and mitigation strategies. The program is the only one of its nature issuing an accredited continuing education unit (CEU) from North Carolina State University, making it truly one of a kind.
“North American Rescue is very excited to be working in close partnership with School Specialty Inc. and SSI Guardian,” states Robert Castellani, President and CEO of NAR. “I can think of nothing of greater importance in our society than the safety of children in our schools, and North American Rescue stands ready and fully committed to support School Specialty’s and Guardian’s goals in this area.”
Mr. Yorio continued, “We are thrilled to provide these lifesaving products to our schools and universities and to join the Stop the Bleed Campaign with NAR, the proven leader in this critical space. SSI Guardian is built on crisis preparation and casualty response marries perfectly with our methodology. Accidents involving serious bleeding can happen at any moment and when they do, having the right products and training on product application in place will make the difference.”
About NAR
North American Rescue (NAR), based in Greer, South Carolina, has proudly enjoyed the honor of serving their country, community, and customers for over a decade. NAR is leading the way in decreasing preventable deaths by providing innovative medical and rescue solutions to our uniformed soldiers, first responders, health care professionals, security forces, and civilian immediate responders.
For more information on North American Rescue, visit www.narescue.com
About School Specialty, Inc.
School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace. The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. Through its SSI Guardian subsidiary, the Company is also committed to school, healthcare and corporate workplace safety by offering the highest quality curriculum, training and safety and security products. Through its recently launched SOAR Life Products brand, the Company offers thousands of products that sharpen cognitive skills and build physical and mental strength in fun and creative ways. From childhood through adulthood, they help individuals live life to the fullest – engaged, happy and well. SOAR Life Products is a customized offering for hospitals, long-term care, therapeutic facilities, home care, surgery centers, day care centers, physician offices, and clinics. For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.
For information on SSI Guardian, visit www.guardianprotect.com.
Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information
Any statements made in this press release about School Specialty’s future financial condition, results of operations, expectations, plans, or prospects, including the information under the heading “Financial Outlook” constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," “projects,” “should,” "targets" and/or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on School Specialty's current estimates and assumptions and, as such, involve uncertainty and risk. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements because of a number of factors, including the factors described in Item 1A of School Specialty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 35-week transition period ended December 26, 2015, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Any forward-looking statement in this release speaks only as of the date in which it is made. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws, School Specialty does not intend to update or revise the forward-looking statements.