The MHP Foundation is excited to support Reach Out & Read at MHP Pediatrics. This literacy improvement program is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. At every MHP Pediatrics well child visit from infancy through five years of age, each child receives an age-appropriate book. Pediatricians guide families on the importance of reading aloud together during those appointments.

This program is incredibly important for young children in our community. As many as 67 percent of children between 15 months and three years of age in the MHP service area are at moderate to high risk for developmental, behavioral or social delays. The national average is25 percent. Research shows that children exposed to Reach Out & Read have higher language scores, larger vocabularies, know how to handle books, understand the concept of the written word and how stories work, and have the ability to listen. All of these skills are vital to brain development and help alleviate developmental delays.

Thanks to the support of donors, MHP employees, and the community, the MHP Foundation is proud to announce that$11,850 has been donated to Reach Out & Read! This will support the program for approximately 18 months.