Eight Mile Health Center hosts Reach Out and Read event 08.11.25

August 11, 2025

Eight Mile Health Center hosts Reach Out and Read event

MOBILE, Ala. — Family Health is celebrating 17 years as a Reach Out and Read-Alabama (ROAR) participant. In 2025, ROAR is encouraging families to unplug, tune in, and have fun with “Baby Unplugged: PLAY!” by John Hutton, M.D.

From books and blocks to pets and boxes — a perfect way to spend an afternoon — “Baby Unplugged: PLAY!” celebrates classic childhood experiences and icons, where education is a natural byproduct of a child’s desire to play, explore, and connect — no screens, batteries, or Wi-Fi required!

Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department, has scheduled several Reach Out and Read events. During these days, children aged 6 months to 5 years who are scheduled for well-child visits or sick visits will be given a goodie bag with treats, along with the actual book.

Family Health’s first ROAR event took place at the Eight Mile Health Center.

“Along with the reading, the children also got to play hopscotch and various games throughout the clinic, before walking into our play jungle for their surprise,” said Taja Foster, the Clinic Administrator.

Other staff who participated were Dr. Tonya Dobbs; nurse manager Anissa Smith; and medical assistants Aisha Garmon, Keasia Pickens, Tyranee Mose and Tramaine Mitchell.

Over the years, starting with the newborn well-child visit, medical providers have given children books while helping families understand the importance of reading aloud with their child and the impact of the everyday moments they share. This is one of the single-most important actions families can take to support the critical development of their child’s brain and to develop safe, stable, and nurturing relationships that last a lifetime.