Reach Out and Read, Northeast
Information For
Federally Qualified Health Centers
WHO WE ARE
Reach Out and Read, Northeast is part of a national nonprofit that gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating early literacy and relational health promotion into pediatric primary care. Our mission is to promote children's literacy and social-emotional health during the span of rapid brain growth and development between birth and age five. We want families to leave their well child visits with the resources they need to help their children thrive.
OUR REGION
Reach Out and Read, Northeast includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York. Learn more about our recent expansion into Maine here.
our partnership with FQHCs
Although all children deserve and benefit from participating in the program, we prioritize children in historically marginalized communities who benefit the most. As part of our effort to expand with equity, we are working to increase our partnership with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
We are here to help! Some of the questions on our National Center’s application do not apply to FQHCs. Our FQHC team will help you navigate the application. Contact them today!
why join reach Out and read?
benefits for clinics
- When delivered with fidelity, Reach Out and Read improves provider satisfaction and enhances patient-provider relationships. Practitioners routinely report that giving a child a book is the highlight of their day.
- Parents in participating practices are more likely to rate their pediatrician as helpful.
- Staff at successful sites express heightened commitments to their community and show higher levels of teamwork.
- Participation reduces practitioner stress and burnout.
benefits FOR CLINICIANS
- It’s FUN! Giving a child a beautiful new book is a great way to start a visit.
- The book is a valuable tool for developmental assessment.
- Books engage and calm anxious children.
- Clinicians appreciate being able to offer caregivers meaningful, positive literacy promotion messages.
- Delivering the program creates opportunities for positive caregiver/child interactions and builds stronger provider connections with the family.
- Books help spark conversations about important topics like sleep routines, nutrition, and school readiness.
how we support programs
- Development support: ROR fundraises on behalf of it its clinics and provides FQHCs with 100% of the funding they need to run the program.
- Training: We offer on-line, program specific training for providers and support staff, as well as access to a library full of free training resources (most of which offer CMEs).
- Dedicated program specialist: Your clinic will be assigned a dedicated member of the ROR program team to help with program setup, book selection and ordering, reporting, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
resources
applying
- Introducing Reach Out and Read (a Powerpoint that will help your team understand what the program is all about).
- Sample application (a PDF version of the online application which allows you to see what you will need to know to complete it.)
running the program
- Creating A Literacy Rich Clinic Environment (includes posters, hand outs and slide decks for your waiting room).
- Anticipatory Guidance (exam room tips and suggestions for promoting early literacy and relational health.)
Reach Out and Read is 501(c)3 nonprofit that gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.
To Support Our Programs:
Alex Chu, Executive Director
Reach Out and Read, Northeast
89 South Street, Suite 201
Boston, MA 02111
617.455.0600
Contact Our FQHC Team:
Samantha Cortes, Northeast FQHC Onboarding Specialist
Leah Karn, Northeast FQHC Support Specialist
reachoutandread.org