Reach Out and Read now offered at Essentia Health-Graceville Clinic

The Essentia Health-Graceville Clinic is excited to introduce the Reach Out and Read program into regular pediatric check-ups. The evidence-based initiative integrates reading into pediatric care by advising parents on the importance of reading aloud and incorporating it into daily routines. It also provides developmentally appropriate books to children during well-child visits.

"We are proud to implement the Reach Out and Read program in support of early literacy and healthy childhood development," emphasized Hannah Johnson, a family medicine nurse practitioner at the Essentia Health-Graceville Clinic. "By giving books to children and encouraging families to read together during visits, we help lay the foundation for lifelong learning and strong parent-child bonds. This program reflects our deep commitment to nurturing both the physical and developmental health of every child we serve."

The Reach Out and Read program begins in infancy and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on supporting children in low-income communities to foster early literacy and language skills. Learn more about the program at reachoutandread.org.

"For the past 30 years, the Reach Out and Read model has fostered parent engagement, literacy and social and emotional development for millions of children and families nationwide," said Brian Gallagher, chief executive officer of Reach Out and Read. "We are pleased to offer the program to the children and families at the Essentia Health-Graceville Clinic."

To learn more about the Reach Out and Read program in Graceville, or to donate or volunteer as a reader, please contact Ashley Fuhrman at (320) 748-7223.