Akron Children's Hospital's External Affair's Department is home to the Reach Out and Read program that serves over 24 of our pediatric practices. Reach Out and Read is a national program dedicated to fostering the development of early literacy skills among children as a standard part of pediatric primary care. The program has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations whose members recognize the value of treating the "whole child" as part of routine primary care practice. Research shows that a child's experiences early in life are critical to their ability to achieve their potential and become a productive member of society.
Through Reach Out and Read, pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners provide new, age-appropriate books to children ages 6 months to 5 years old during well- child visits and make suggestions on how to help children develop a love of books and reading.
The program also places gently used books for all age groups in the waiting rooms at the Akron Children's Hospital Pediatric offices and other areas of the hospital. These books are donated to Akron Children's Hospital throughout the year. All children visiting the office are encouraged to pick a book to take home with them to read.
Akron Children's Reach Out and Read program is available in our Akron Children's Hospital Pediatric offices throughout Northeast Ohio and Locust Pediatric Care Group in Akron.
To learn more about Reach Out and Read, go to www.reachoutandread.org
