PADUCAH, KY - Lourdes Foundation and Mercy Health Foundation are donating $10,000 to bring the Reach Out and Read program to Mercy Pediatrics. This national program is designed to promote school readiness and early literacy skills. At each check-up between the ages of six-months to five years, children are given their own brand new, developmentally and culturally appropriate book from their pediatrician to take home.

“We are thrilled to be offering this program to our patients,” says Dr. Holly Payne, Mercy Pediatrics Pediatrician. “The program gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encourages families to read aloud together. As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Reach Out and Read equips parents with tools and knowledge to ensure that their children are prepared to learn when they start school.”

Mercy Pediatrics is the only Reach Out and Read program in the area.

“Lourdes Foundation and Mercy Health Foundation are proud to provide the funds for this program,” says Jessica Toren, Lourdes Foundation President. “We believe it will have a positive impact on the lives of children in our community. Studies show families served by the program read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve to their potential.”

Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 and serves nearly 4.5 million children and families annually.