BD Donates $325,000 for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced today that it is donating $325,000 to assist in relief efforts for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. BD will distribute these funds among nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations AmeriCares, American Red Cross, Direct Relief International, Heart to Heart International, Project HOPE, Save the Children, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, World Vision and the Give2Asia Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund.

"The impact of this devastating earthquake and the resulting tsunami continues to grow," said Edward J. Ludwig, BD Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "BD is committed to supporting the Japanese people and our employees in Japan during the country's recovery.  On behalf of BD's 29,000 associates around the world, I extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Japan and all affected by this tragedy."

BD is currently working with these nonprofit organizations to assess the country's needs for healthcare products and will respond accordingly when the assessments are complete.  Additionally, the Company will match donations from its associates worldwide to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the American Red Cross, up to a total of $50,000. This match is in addition to BD's traditional Matching Gift Program, which matches donations from U.S. associates to eligible nonprofit organizations. BD associates have already made individual contributions to many relief organizations for Japan, and the corporate match will encourage further generosity.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

Contact:

Liz Ryan Sax, Corporate Communications – 201-847-6759

Zachary A. Nagle, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)