‘Reach Out and Read’ program awarded $15,000 from Upstate Foundation

A UHS program encouraging the habit of reading at an early age got a big boost this past weekend.

“Reach Out and Read,” which seeks to instill a love of reading in youngsters at an early age, benefitted from the 4th Annual Walk/Run for Kids at Otsiningo Park on Sept. 21.

During the walk, the UHS Foundation was presented with a check for $15,000 to help fund Reach Out and Read. UHS was also a proud sponsor of the walk, with representatives from UHS Primary Care and the UHS Foundation in attendance.

The event was hosted by Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital Foundation, which also benefited from the money raised during the walk/run.

The Upstate Foundation provides financial support for UHS pediatric patients who travel to the Syracuse-based hospital for pediatric subspecialty care and hospital admission.

Physicians in our community rely on the pediatric subspecialists at Upstate Golisano to care for our patients who have complex or chronic medical conditions, as well as those in critical need of pediatric intensive care.

The reading program has been in place for the last several years. The program provides patients with a book at each well visit with their pediatrician, starting at six months of age through age 8, to promote literacy and enhance their development. It is a successful program that has been very well received by our patients and their families.

To learn more about Reach Out and Read, click here.