'Reach Out and Read'
Banner Good Samaritan promotes early childhood literacy
Contact: Bill Byron, Craig Fischer or Karrie Spitzer
1111 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602 239-4411
Fax: 602 239-2472
Pager: 602-250-0383
PHOENIX (January 6, 2003) - Statistics show that fewer than 50 percent of American parents read to their infants and toddlers on a regular basis. This statistic poses potential risks for the future of these kids; it's been proven at-risk children who have difficulty reading tend to have higher rates of truancy and failure in school which can lead to higher rates of drug dependency, teen pregnancy, and welfare. In an effort to minimize this growing problem, "Reach Out and Read," an early childhood literacy program, was created to promote literacy as a standard part of pediatric primary care.
Jarrett Sell, MD, a Family Practice resident at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, introduced the ROR program to the Family Practice office at Banner Good Samaritan in October 2002. "Dr. Sell recognized a need with our patient demographic, and we gladly started participating," stated Mary Kirby, MD, Family Practice. "We felt the at-risk children and their families would benefit tremendously from this literacy campaign."
At each well-child check-up, between the ages of six months and five years, the child will receive an age- and culturally-appropriate book to take home. After five years, the child will have his or her own personal library of books to share. Books are also available in the waiting room of the physician's office so the family can practice reading while they wait for their appointment.
During the well-child visit, the pediatrician or nurse practitioner will also coach the child's parents on the benefits of reading to their child and how to encourage literacy at a young age. "A lot of times the visit is a great time to do some education," Kirby said. "At six months a child obviously can't read, and often times parents question why they should be concerned with their literacy. This is our opportunity to teach them that they can stimulate brain development in the early years of life with familiarity and word-picture identification, which can then improve development of early literacy skills."
The intent with the "Reach Out and Read" program is to make reading a good habit at a young age. When visiting the doctor's office at Banner Good Samaritan, the family will learn the advantages of reading, and skills to enhance reading. With this early literacy education, the child will be better prepared for school curriculum and hopefully begin a love of books.
If you would like to help Banner Good Samaritan's "Reach Out and Read" program promote early childhood literacy with the at-risk children, please bring slightly used books to the Family Practice Office, located in Suite 605 of the Edwards Building on the Banner Good Samaritan campus. For more information about the "Reach Out and Read" program, visit their website at www.reachoutandread.org.
