HURON –– In an effort to encourage literacy in children and foster a love for reading, HRMC Physicians Clinic and New Life Clinic in Huron have joined the nationwide Reach Out and Read program. This initiative, aimed at promoting early childhood literacy, empowers health care providers to integrate books and reading into pediatric care.

The program is simple yet powerful: during routine well-child visits, Sean Schooley, MD, pediatrician, and all family practitioners give children between the ages of six months and five years a brand-new book to take home. Simultaneously, providers offer guidance to parents about the importance of reading aloud to their children from an early age.

Dr. Schooley, who joined the HRMC Physicians Clinic care team in the summer, initiated bringing the program to Huron.

“For many families, purchasing books may not be financially feasible,” said Schooley. “For some of our families, it might be the first book they’ve ever had in their home.”

The initial purchase of books to initiate the program was purchased by the Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) Foundation Helping Hands Program, which is funded by employees of HRMC.

Studies show that reading aloud to young children helps build essential brain connections, enhances language development and fosters a love of learning.

Additionally, children exposed to books early in life are more likely to enter kindergarten ready to succeed, both academically and socially.

Jayme Hershman, RN, nurse team leader at the HRMC Physicians Clinic, helps to coordinate the program for the clinics. “By promoting reading, we’re not just giving kids books—we’re giving them the opportunity to dream big and achieve their full potential,” said Hershman.

To learn more about the Reach Out and Read program, visit reachoutandread.org or to support the local efforts at HRMC clinics, contact the HRMC Foundation at 605-353-6315 or foundation@huronregional.org.