Reach Out and Read

Published June 25, 2009
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Providers in the 81st Medical Operations Squadron pediatric clinic have re-energized the

"Reach Out and Read" program at Keesler Medical Center. "Reach Out and Read" is a national nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud in pediatric exam rooms across the nation.

The program was in place at Keesler prior to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 which destroyed the clinic's supply of children's books.

The clinic staff is asking for donations of "gently used" books for their ROR program.

"We are specifically looking to fill our waiting areas with books for the children to read as they wait for their appointments," explained Maj. Vonda Goodison, the clinic's nurse manager.

"In the exam room, doctors and nurses, trained in the developmental strategies of early literacy, encourage parents to read aloud to their young children and offer age-appropriate tips," the major said. "The pediatric primary care provider gives every child between the ages of 6 months and 5 years a new, developmentally-appropriate children's book to take home and keep.

"In the waiting room, displays, information and gently-used books create a literacy-rich environment," she continued. "Where possible, volunteer readers entertain the children, modeling for the parents the pleasures -- and techniques -- of reading aloud."

Keesler is among 32 military bases currently offering ROR programs. According to the ROR website, more than 90,000 children of military families participate in ROR annually and more than 180,000 new, developmentally-appropriate books are distributed to children on military bases each year.

Maj. (Dr.) Eric Flake, 81st MDOS, originated Keesler's program when he was a pediatric resident here and said Keesler was the first of the 32 military sites.

"Many of the new sites are a direct result of the example set by Keesler Pediatrics and its training of residents who requested that ROR be implemented at their new base," he pointed out. "The 'gently used' book library created by generous donations from the Keesler Spouses Club, Boy Scouts and youth groups was destroyed during Katrina and hasn't been reestablished."

He added, "ROR at Keesler did not stop despite Katrina but continued to provide books for children under the leadership of Capt. (Dr.) Melissa Mauro, who's currently the director of ROR at Keesler."

For more information, log on to the ROR web site, http:// www.reachoutandread.org, contact the Reach Out and Read National Center, 1-617- 455-0600, or e-mail info@ reachoutandread.org or 56 Roland Street, Suite 100D, Boston, MA 02129.