A Message from Executive Director Brian Gallagher...


Dear Colleagues 

 

One of the things that distinguishes Reach Out and Read is that our model is integrated into the pediatric healthcare system, which gives us unparalleled access to young children and their families. We are fortunate that so many pediatric medical providers commit their time and energy to delivering and promoting the Reach Out and Read program.

 

Each spring, many of the Reach Out and Read medical leadership attend the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting during which Dr. Robert Needlman and Dr. Perri Klass, Reach Out and Read board members and medical directors, lead a Special Interest Group. This is an opportunity for physicians to discuss both recent important research related to the Reach Out and Read model, and regional and national developments.

 

It is also an event where Reach Out and Read Young Investigators present their work. This year significant interest was generated by groundbreaking research from Dr. John Hutton, who assessed functional MRI scans of the brains of children when they listened to stories. Children who had been read to more often at home "lit up" more in parts of the brain important to future literacy than those who had been read to less often. 

 

Furthermore, we are currently revising our messaging so that it more accurately represents the Reach Out and Read program as it is - that is, our special connection within the medical community.  This also includes a focus on the importance of promoting loving relationships and opportunities for learning starting in the earliest days, months and years of life. We will be rolling out our new messaging over the summer - watch this space!

 

With best wishes,  

Brian

 
Start-Up Timeline
Applications/Letters of Support/Disbursements due: 6/15
Application review: 6/17
Coalitions notified of Approved needs training/Approved wait-listed sites: 6/18
Scholastic account request sent for active sites: 6/18
Coalitions notified of active sites: 6/25
Welcome
to Teandra Ramos-Hardy, who joins Reach Out and Read North Carolina as Program Specialist, and to Drew Laurens, who joins Reach Out and Read North Carolina as Director of Development.
Congratulations

to Jesse Bornemann and Kate Wallace, promoted to Senior Grants and Development Associates at the National Center, and to KT Merseles, promoted to Program and Data Coordinator at National Center.

 

National Center and Coalition Fundraising

Please review this updated

list before approaching a new funder. The list includes all proposals for $10K+ in the last 5 years. Contact Maddy if you have questions!

 

Reach Out and Read in the news

Reach Out and Read  press coverage in Apr/May 2015

 
New Annual Impact Numbers! 
Reach Out and Read has new "Annual Impact" numbers:
4.5 million children served, 
6.5 million books distributed,
21,000 medical providers,
5,500 program sites,
50 states and D.C
Please use these amazing figures in your literature.
Coalition Corner
Please watch this video, made in partnership with KBTC
to honor Dr Mary Ann Woodruff, Reach Out and Read Washington State's Medical Director and co-founder, as an American Graduate Champion.  

Jill Sells, Director of Reach Out and Read Washington says "Watch this 90 second video that captures the essence of the Reach Out and Read program. And if you have another 90 seconds, watch it again. Notice the words "love" and "bond with your kids." Watch the math skills being developed through counting. Watch the intense concentration, joy, and excitement on the faces of the children. And see the power of the relationship each has with her parents, and with Dr. Woodruff."

Kenneth Rainin Foundation Grant Supports  Newborn - 6 Month Materials
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has renewed it's support of Reach Out and Read for a third year!
In addition to providing books and program support, the grant will fund the development of materials to facilitate conversations with parents of infants younger than six months old. As we increase our emphasis on talking, reading, and singing with babies from the first days of life, in line with the AAP's 2014 policy statement, this grant will allow us to develop content and best practices that can be used to serve thousands more families through replication nationwide.
Our latest blog - Giving Books 
Should Be As Routine As Giving Immunizations
Reach Out and Read is changing the way pediatrics is practiced by giving medical providers an evidence-based strategy..... Read More
Reach Out and Read
56 Roland St, Suite 100D, Boston, MA 02129
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