Family Health to participate in Reach Out and Read once again 07.03.25

July 3, 2025

Family Health to participate in Reach Out and Read once again

MOBILE, Ala. — In 2025, Family Health is celebrating 17 years as a Reach Out and Read-Alabama participant.

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.

This year, Reach Out and Read-Alabama 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. These dates include:

• July 8 at Eight Mile Health Center.
• July 15 at Keeler Memorial Building.
• July 24 at Semmes Health Center.
• July 25 at Citronelle Health Center.

“In conjunction with the Reach out and Read program, we encourage children to not only have fun and play this summer, but to pick up a book and enjoy a fun story,” said Taja Foster, the Clinic Administrator at the Eight Mile Health Center.

The evidence-based Reach Out and Read program builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children beginning in infancy. With more than 30 peer-reviewed studies and a recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Reach Out and Read is an effective intervention incorporating early literacy into pediatric practice and equipping parents with tools and knowledge to ensure their children are prepared to learn when they start school. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.roralabama.org.