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More than 400 children’s books were donated to the UNT Health Science Center Department of Pediatrics’ Reach Out and Read program by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

The books were collected in October during the Foundation’s annual Celebration of Reading event in Dallas.  Attendees were encouraged to donate a children’s book, which then were given to UNTHSC. The books will be distributed at well-child visits at UNT Health clinics and other Fort Worth-area clinics.

The state program encourages health care providers to give books to children who otherwise may not have reading opportunities.

Reach Out and Read Texas’ mission is to prepare the state’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with medical providers to "prescribe" books and encourage families to read together.

Doctors, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals are encouraged to incorporate Reach Out and Read into regular pediatric checkups by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally appropriate books to children. The program begins at the six-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities.

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