Kibin Alleyne is joined by Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read; along with Dr. Vanessa Salcedo, Greater New York Clinician of Reach Out and Read at Union Community Health Center in the Bronx, to discuss how early literacy helps support healthy brain development.
Dr. Salcedo and Marty Martinez talk Early Literacy on Bronx Net
Reach Out and Read: How A Book Can Change A Life
What happens when a pediatrician hands a free book to a parent and changes the trajectory of a life?
Meet Claudia Aristry whose first encounter as a new immigrant mother with “Reach Out and Read” sparked a remarkable transformation. Through her work with the Health Education and Literacy for Parents (HELP) Project, Claudia demonstrates how pediatricians can encourage literacy through books while supporting immigrant families. Her personal story describes the power of how parent-child reading led to her own high school completion and college graduation.
Her work showcases how simple interventions can create lasting impact on children’s development. Her conversation with Dr. Lia Gaggino explores innovative ways to promote bilingual literacy and to strengthen parent-child interactions through reading, while turning waiting room time into valuable learning opportunities.
This episode proves that when healthcare meets literacy, extraordinary changes happen in families’ lives.
At the 2024 Somos conference in Puerto Rico, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York was honored to participate in the Rising Readers Panel: Building Literacy and Resilience in Latino Youth. Held on November 7th from 1:45 to 3:00 PM, this thought-provoking discussion brought together leaders in literacy, health, and community advocacy to explore strategies for empowering Latino youth through literacy programs and community resilience.
Kari Kurjiaka, representing Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, joined esteemed panelists including Ingrid Chungata (CHCF), Victor Pichardo (SBH Health System, former New York State Assembly), and Laura Walsh (Literacy Inc.), with moderation by Ramon Peguero of CHCF. Together, the panelists shared insights into innovative programming, cross-sector partnerships, and the cultural significance of literacy in shaping the future of Latino children.
This panel highlighted the transformative power of literacy in advancing equity and opportunity, reflecting Somos’ mission of uplifting Latino communities. As a recognized voice in early literacy and public health, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration to support the next generation of readers and leaders.
A BOOK FOR EVERY CHILD: 25 YEARS & COUNTING!
October 9, 2024, at City Winery, NYC
New York, NY — Reach Out and Read of Greater New York (ROR GNY) will proudly celebrate its 25th anniversary with a star-studded gala, A BOOK FOR EVERY CHILD: 25 YEARS & COUNTING, at City Winery, NYC on October 9, 2024. The event will commemorate the organization’s ongoing mission of integrating early childhood literacy into pediatric care to help millions of children across the region access the tools for success through books and family-centered care. The evening will feature a special tribute to Eva Mendes, honored with the 25th Anniversary Children’s Literacy Award for her contributions to children’s literature and dedication to fostering a love of reading in young children.
“Eva’s new bilingual children’s book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, highlights a crucial aspect of childhood development: emotional well-being and mindfulness. By showing children that they are the ‘boss of their thoughts,’ Mendes empowers them with the tools to tackle life’s challenges from an early age,” said Emily Marchese, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. “Her dedication to bilingual storytelling reflects our shared commitment to reaching all children and families, regardless of background.”
Marchese will speak at the milestone 25th anniversary event, stating, “We celebrate not only our past achievements but also the children, families, and communities we continue to serve. Every book these physicians provide to a child is an opportunity to shape their future, and this work would not be possible without the incredible support of our partners, pediatricians, and donors who believe in the power of literacy.”
The gala will bring together supporters, partners, and advocates for an unforgettable evening will feature a thrilling live auction, a moving awards ceremony, and heartfelt reflections on the accomplishments of ROR GNY. Over the past 25 years, the organization distributed millions of books to over 7 million children from underserved communities across Greater New York, providing the gift of reading to families in need and fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Josh Green, Board Chair of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, is set to remark. “As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our reach and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to books and the opportunity to develop a love of reading.”
The event comes on the heels of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) new recommendations, “Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice” (2024). These recommendations underscore how programs like Reach Out and Read have a profound impact on early language development, parent-child bonding, and school readiness, particularly in low-income households. The publication highlights how pediatric care providers are in a unique position to support literacy and Reach Out and Read has been a leader in operationalizing this through its partnerships with healthcare providers.
“On its 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled to commemorate Reach Out and Read Greater New York. In partnership with clinicians, they have provided guidance, resources, and, we hope, a better start to life for millions of children,” said Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read National. “The AAP’s new recommendation further validates our work to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of books and shared reading. Reach Out and Read of Greater New York has helped lead this movement empowering families to make reading a key part of their child’s development.”
Notable sponsors and table buyers include Macmillan Publishers, Barefoot Books, Huron Consulting Group, Deloitte & Touche, Proskauer Rose LLP, NYC Health + Hospitals, Novata, New York-Presbyterian, All About Books, Dan & Regina Olasin, Jack Pace, Jiyang Zhang, Josh & Lindsey Green, Keith Green, Susan Elbe, NYC Health + Hospitals / Elmhurst, Mount Sinai, Montefiore Bronx Health Collective, The Floating Hospital, Books 4 School, Deer Path Capital, Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Childrens Hospital. The funds raised at the gala will help ensure that Reach Out and Read can continue its vital work, reaching even more children and families in the years to come.
25th Anniversary Honorees:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Judith Levine
Honored for her lifetime dedication to early literacy advocacy and her transformative leadership that helped shape Reach Out and Read of Greater New York’s mission and growth. Ms. Levine’s remarkable career as a social worker, combined with her deep commitment to education and healthcare, has shaped not only Reach Out & Read of Greater New York but also countless other organizations, including the Reading Reform Foundation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission—ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the life-changing power of books. Ms. Levine has championed literacy from the very beginning, and her thoughtful guidance and service continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across New York.
Health Equity Advocate Award: Mary McCord, MD, MPH – NYCH+H Gotham Health/Sydenham
Recognized for her work addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and promoting equitable healthcare access, ensuring that more children and families can benefit from ROR GNY’s services.
Advocate for Diverse Books Award: The Floating Hospital/Queens Bridge
Acknowledged for championing diversity in children’s literature and ensuring representation for children from all backgrounds.
The Jack Pace Living, Breathing ROR GNY Award: Amy Woolever, MD – NYC Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst
Honored for her unwavering commitment to bringing Reach Out and Read’s mission to life, inspiring countless families through her care.
Trusted Messenger Award: Jennifer Chase, MD, FAAP – Mount Sinai School-Based Health
Celebrated for being a trusted voice and advocate for early literacy and her community, helping children and parents make reading a central part of their lives.
Whole Family Advocate Award: Suzanne Dougan – Brookdale Family Care Center
Honored for her dedication to providing holistic family care and promoting literacy as a key element of overall family wellness.
Whole Family Advocate Award: Montefiore Medical Center Bronx Health Collective
Recognized for their comprehensive support for families and their deep commitment to advancing childhood literacy alongside other family services.
New Champion Coordinator Award: Dr. Krupa Lydia Hart, DBA, MBA– Urban Health Plan
Celebrated as an emerging leader in early literacy advocacy, playing a critical role in expanding ROR GNY’s reach within her community.
Past Children’s Literacy Award honorees include Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Rosemary Wells, Todd Parr, Robie Harris, Malcolm Jarod Mitchell, and Brian Amador.
For more information on Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and its programs, please visit www.reachoutandreadnyc.org or contact Kari Kurjiaka at kkurjiaka@reachoutandreadnyc.org. Award winner’s bios are available here.
About Reach Out and Read of Greater New York:
Reach Out and Read of Greater New York partners with healthcare providers to promote early childhood literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms by giving books to children and advising parents on the importance of reading aloud. Serving over 250,000 children annually, the program focuses on low-income communities across Greater New York.
Read to Your Babies and Toddlers for Lifelong Benefits, Says New Pediatric Update
If you read to your babies and toddlers, you are giving them way more than just a bedtime story!
When my first daughter was a baby, I snuggled up with her one day in my hazy postpartum sleep deprivation and started reading to her from one of the picture books my mom had given me. It soon became a nightly habit, one that I continued until she could read — and even after.
Naturally, when children are old enough to understand language and show an interest in books, reading to your children is a well-known benefit. Yet when I first started reading to my baby, I wondered if it made any sense since, as a newborn, my daughter surely couldn’t understand what I was saying.
It turns out that I was on the right track, and reading to your toddlers and even babies has immense benefits that can last a lifetime.
American Academy of Pediatrics Wants You to Read to Your Babies and Young Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), published a new policy statement on September 29 in the journal Pediatrics online (the new policy statement and full report will be published in the December 2024 print issue of Pediatrics). It is the first update to AAP recommendations since 2014, and is based on extensive research into early childhood brain development.
“Reading together with young children weaves joyful language and rich interactive moments into the fabric of daily life,” says lead author, Perri Klass, MD, a Professor of Journalism and Pediatrics at New York University.
Dr. Perri is also the National Medical Director of Reach Out and Read, a program that encourages early literacy in kids through pediatric care. At routine check-ups, pediatricians give parents tips on reading aloud and suggestions for great children’s books.
According to AAP, reading to your kids should start ideally when they are newborns. Pediatricians even encourage parents to read to their babies in the NICU to foster brain development and bonding.
Pediatricians play key role in early literacy, creating family bonds through reading.
Editor’s note: The 2024 AAP National Conference & Exhibition is taking place from Sept. 27-Oct. 1 in Orlando, Fla. For more coverage, visit https://bit.ly/AAPNationalConference2024 and follow @AAPNews on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Moving to New York City as a 16-year-old soon-to-be mother was overwhelming for Claudia Aristy as she left her home and family in the Dominican Republic to begin a new life in a new country.
Aristy’s grandmother brought her to Bellevue Hospital for prenatal care. At the time, she didn’t realize how important the institution would become for her and her family — and it all started with a good book.
Aristy shared her story during Sunday’s plenary session “Turning Pages Together: How Pediatricians Rewrote the Book on Early Literacy” at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. Joining Aristy was Perri Klass, M.D., FAAP, who spoke about the importance of early literacy promotion in primary care.
At Aristy’s son’s six-month checkup, his doctor gave the family a copy of the book “¡Sonríe!,” which means “Smile” in Spanish. Aristy expressed concerns that she couldn’t pay for the book, but her doctor said it was free because of the Reach Out and Read program, which was founded in 1989 to help families make reading a part of their routines and supply books for families. The organization now has 6,200 program sites that provide 7.1 million books each year.
“The doctor reinforced the importance of enjoying the book in the language I felt comfortable with and said it was a great way to teach Alejandro about my culture while we bonded and enjoyed reading the book together,” Aristy said. “I discovered the magical world of children’s books through the ones we got from our pediatrician and the ones we borrowed from the library.”
During her initial visits, Bellevue Hospital staff encouraged Aristy to complete her high school education and pursue a college degree. The support she received for herself and Alejandro helped shape their lives in ways she never imagined. Aristy now serves as director of the H.E.L.P. Project and Children of Bellevue’s Reach Out and Read program.
Dr. Klass, a professor of journalism and pediatrics at New York University, helped found the Reach Out and Read program at Bellevue 30 years ago. She stressed the importance of early child literacy and how reading to a young child can help strengthen bonds between growing families.
“Sometimes, I stand in that waiting room at Bellevue and I see families going out toward those crowded subways carrying those beautiful colors of books, and I can see that the whole map of our city is brighter and more colorful,” Dr. Klass said.
During the plenary, Dr. Klass announced the release of the AAP policy statement Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice, which marks the first update in AAP recommendations since 2014. Dr. Klass is a lead author of the policy and an accompanying technical report.
“Pediatricians have always understood that for children to thrive, you have to support their families and that the threats to their health include those infectious diseases, but they also include the social factors that can get in the way of learning, growing and flourishing,” Dr. Klass said. “What we come to understand is that what we’re really doing here is helping parents with the interactions and the words and stories and images and the back and forth and the joy and positive interactions and experiences which can shape a child’s life trajectory.”
In this episode of Book It… we kick off our new season with a book that digs into the impact of social media on girls and women with Kara Alaimo, author of Over the Influence – Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls and How We Can Take It Back. Also, we talk with Emily Marchese from Reach Out and Read about their effort to bring books to children through their pediatricians; Isabel Ortiz chats with YA author Tashie Bhuiyan; and Linda Stasi is back with her always Uncensored reviews.
Twenty-five years later, Reach Out and Read Greater of New York “has hospitals and clinics that we still serve today that were there for year one.”
Reach Out and Read Podcast host Dipesh Navsaria and Greater New York Executive Director Emily Marchese go behind the scenes of one of the largest Affiliates in our network, serving 250,000+ children in one of the most-diverse cities in the country