UHS Foundation awarded $15,000 for “Reach Out and Read” Program

A UHS program encouraging the habit of reading at an early age received $15,000 in support from the Upstate Foundation.

The “Reach Out and Read” program has been in place for the last several years. Patients are given a book at each well visit with their UHS pediatrician, starting at six months of age, in an effort to promote literacy and enhance their development.

At the start of the program, books were given through age 5. Recently, thanks to the support of the Upstate Foundation, UHS expanded the program to include children through age 8. It is a successful program that has been very well received by our patients and their families.

Thank you to Michelle Brooks, office manager at UHS Pediatrics Vestal for her coordination of the program between the different UHS pediatric offices and to all the providers, nurses and additional pediatric staff who encourage the importance of reading to our young patients!