Reach Out and Read provides more than just medical wellness at pediatric clinic

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Officials from the 374th Medical Operations Squadron Pediatric Clinic hope to promote early literacy and better reading habits by hosting the Reach Out and Read Program for families here starting May 2.

The program provides 6-month-old to 5-year-old children with a free age-appropriate book during their pediatric wellness visit. There will also be a volunteer available to read books to children in the waiting room.

Forty-seven military bases, including 18 Air Force bases, are currently participating in Reach Out and Read. Yokota Air Base will be the first U.S. military base in Japan to incorporate the program into their pediatric wellness plan.

The program began in 1989 as a non-profit organization and has since grown to nearly 5,000 programs. It has reached more than four million civilian and military children around the globe, according to the Reach Out and Read website.

At Yokota AB, approximately 80 books will be given each month, said Capt. (Dr.) Jeremy Granger, a 374th MDOS pediatrician and program coordinator for Yokota AB.

He said the pediatric clinic has worked for more than a year to bring the program to Yokota AB. They have received 900 books for the first year from Reach Out and Read headquartered in Boston.

Capt. Westina Tolbert, the 374th MDOS element chief of pediatrics, said getting the program here was very important.

"Today we're in the age of technology," Captain Tolbert said. "This will help families turn off the TV, take a break and enjoy reading a good book with their family."

After 374th MDOS officials decided to take part in the program, they developed a localized process to deliver the literacy program to families.

"When families come in, the child can sit with the volunteer reader and hear an age-appropriate book while the parent fills out a questionnaire," Dr. Granger said. "This opportunity allows the child to receive some exposure to the program and gives the parent time to fill out paperwork."

During the wellness visit, parents will have the opportunity to receive a book for their child and will be briefed by the doctor about the importance of reading and the goals of the program.

The program's goals include promoting early literacy and improving listening and speech skills.

"Read Out and Read not only promotes reading skills for children, but for parents as well," Captain Tolbert said. "It encourages parents to spend time reading to their children."

For the Airmen working at the clinic, being a part of the program means having a large impact in a child's life.

"It feels very rewarding to have a part in this program," said Tech. Sgt. Jemel Lindsey,  the 374th MDOS NCO in charge of the pediatric clinic. "Even though you can't always see the results of what you're doing, you know you have a lasting effect on that child's life."

To learn more about the Reach Out and Read Program, visit their website at www.reachoutandread.org.