Who: Reach Out and Read supports our youngest patients, from birth to 5 years, and their families.
What: Pediatricians start each visit by giving children a new book to take home, discussing with caregivers the benefits of reading, and modeling positive reading interactions with their children.
When: Well‑child visits.
Where: Currently in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon and expanding to Newport and Lincoln City.
Why:
- Improves language ability in young children.
- Increases likelihood that families will attend well‑child checkups, resulting in more children receiving vaccinations on schedule.
- Reduces maternal depression, particularly among young, single mothers.
- Lessens stress and reduces burnout among pediatric clinicians.
Campaign Goal: $150,000.
Lead Foundations: All Samaritan foundations.