Ortho Dermatologics Announces 2021 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSETSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health") and its dermatology business, Ortho Dermatologics, one of the largest prescription dermatology health care businesses, today announced the opening of the application process for its 2021 Aspire Higher scholarship program. The program, which began in 2013, will award nine students who have been treated for a dermatologic condition with a scholarship of up to $10,000 in support of their academic goals.

"Many students today are balancing a mix of in-person and remote education in addition to managing part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities. In normal circumstances, it can be challenging for students to juggle all that is part of getting an education, and with the added physical and emotional burden of living with a skin condition during a worldwide pandemic, it's even more difficult," said Scott Hirsch , senior vice president and chief strategy officer, Bausch Health, and president, Ortho Dermatologics. "We are excited to continue the Aspire Higher scholarship program in 2021 and to assist deserving students as they work to achieve their academic goals."

To apply for the 2021 scholarship, students are required to submit letters of recommendation along with a long-form essay describing the impact of their dermatologic condition and the role that a dermatologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner has played in helping to treat their condition. Scholarships are open to applicants who have been accepted to, or students currently attending, an accredited, nonprofit, two- or four-year college, university or advanced (post-high school) vocational or technical school for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Scholarships are available in the following three categories:

•   Undergraduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing undergraduate degrees
 
•   Graduate Scholar Awards for students pursuing graduate degrees
 
•   Today's Woman Scholar Awards for students who are mothers pursuing either undergraduate or graduate degrees
 

"For several years, I've tackled a chronic skin disease while fighting to accept myself with this condition," said Magdalena Augustine , a 2020 Aspire Higher scholarship recipient. "The Aspire Higher Scholarship Program has made that fight so much easier by recognizing students like me who are living with skin conditions and helping to support our higher education aspirations."

Students can apply for the Aspire Higher scholarship through May 31, 2021 , and winners will be announced in July 2021 . To learn more about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and to see stories from previous winners, please visit www.AspireHigherScholarships.com .

  About Aspire Higher
Since 2013, the Aspire Higher scholarship program has awarded 51 scholarships, providing students a total of $738,000 toward their higher education on campuses nationwide. The Aspire Higher Scholarship program is funded through the Bausch Foundation.

  About the Bausch Foundation
The Bausch Foundation was established in 2017 to improve the lives of patients globally by providing access to safe, effective medicines and by financially supporting health care education and causes. Since its inception, the Bausch Foundation has contributed millions of dollars' worth of financial and product donations to charitable health organizations.

  About Ortho Dermatologics  
Ortho Dermatologics is one of the largest dermatology businesses dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas, including psoriasis, actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio is further complemented by Solta Medical, the maker of Fraxel®, Thermage®, Clear + Brilliant® and Vaser® ultrasonic assisted liposuction for aesthetic applications. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com .

  About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. More information can be found at www.bauschhealth.com .

  Forward-looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. They also include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties caused by or relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of that pandemic and its potential effects, the severity, duration and future impact of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, and which may have a material adverse impact on Bausch Health, including but not limited to its project development timelines, and costs (which may increase). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch Health undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

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SOURCE Bausch Health Companies Inc.