Supporting Literacy in our Communities: CentraCare Clinic – Big Lake and CentraCare Health – Monticello Medical Group introduce Reach Out and Read

CentraCare Clinic – Big Lake and CentraCare Health – Monticello Medical Group are proud to introduce the Reach Out and Read program to support literacy in our communities.

Reach out and Read provides new books for children at their well-child checks. Beginning at six months through five years of age, children receive developmentally appropriate books at their check-ups to encourage a love of reading early in life.

“We are so excited to introduce Reach Out and Read in our communities,” said Sue Baker, Director of Clinic Operations at CentraCare Clinic – Big Lake and CentraCare Health – Monticello Medical Group. “True health comes from a sense of overall well-being. By providing age appropriate books during well-child checks, our providers are essentially giving families a prescription to read and place value on literacy in their homes. The benefits of encouraging health go beyond the walls of our clinics and reach the entire essence of our communities for years to come.”

“Literacy plays an essential role in achieving success in school and later in life,” said Katie Rudnitski, CNP at CentraCare Clinic – Big Lake. “Early literacy intervention allows children to engage in learning at a young age and inspires curiosity and an excitement about the world around them.”

“The Reach Out and Read program has demonstrated success nation-wide,” said Evan Dyce, CNP at CentraCare Health – Monticello Medical Group. “Families served by Reach Out and Read spend more time reading with their children. Reading together provides children with stronger language skills and a larger vocabulary by the time the child is ready to enter kindergarten. This paves the way for academic success, a better understanding of the world around them and the ability to understand healthy choices throughout their lives.”

By introducing the Reach Out and Read program, CentraCare Clinic – Big Lake and CentraCare Health – Monticello Medical Group demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness by investing in long-term programs that support the well-being of our communities.