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 --  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 Yokota families starting May 2.

The program provides six-month-old to five-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.

Fourty-seven U.S. military bases, including 18 Air Force bases, are currently participating in Reach Out and Read. Yokota 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, approximately 80 books will be given each month, said Capt. (Dr.) Jeremy Granger, 374th MDOS pediatrician and program coordinator for Yokota.

He went on to say the Pediatric Clinic has worked for more than a year to bring the program to Yokota. They have received 900 books from Reach Out and Read headquarters in Boston, Mass., for the first year.

Tech. Sgt. Jemel Lindsey, 374th MDOS NCO in charge of the pediatric clinic, deals with the logistics of the program to include the delivery from the headquarters to the clinic.

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

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

After the MDOS 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," said Dr. Granger. "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," said Captain Tolbert. "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 Sergeant Lindsey. "Even though you can't always see the results of what you're doing first-hand, 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. To volunteer for the program, call the 374th MDOS Pediatric Clinic at 225-9959.