3/2/2009

(Rhinelander, WI) The Saint Mary’s Hospital Volunteers recently donated $1,300 to help Ministry pediatricians promote early childhood literacy. Ministry Medical Group Pediatric Department launched Reach Out and Read a year ago and has served over 2,500 children. The program encourages parents of young children to share to joy of reading and books. At each well-child visit for kids 6 months to 5 years the pediatrician shares information with the parents about the importance of reading and gives the child an age-appropriate book to keep. This donation will help buy new books for pediatricians to give to their young patients.

Additionally, SMH Volunteers serve in the pediatric waiting area 15 hours a week where they are available to read to children before their appointment. Gently used books are kept in the waiting room for children of all ages to read while they wait or to take home and keep.

“This is a wonderful program,” says Becky Corey, president of SMH Volunteers. “The small children, along with siblings, are able to receive books and are engaged in reading. We are proud to be able to help with this program.”

Accepting the check on behalf of Ministry Medical Group Pediatrics Department is Dr. Amy Slette and Jill Blake, RN. “Studies indicate that children who begin looking at books and are read to at an early age demonstrate higher verbal and written language skills when they begin school,” states Dr. Slette. “This translates into increasing the likelihood of eventual school success.”

For more information about Ministry Medical Group Pediatric services call the clinic at 361-4700. To learn about or become at Volunteer at Saint Mary’s Hospital call 361-2875.