FMC launches Reach Out and Read book-gifting service at all pediatric locations
Family Medical Centers (FMC), a healthcare system within the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization (ILCAO), is pleased to announce the launch of its book-gifting partnership with Reach Out and Read. This service, aimed at enhancing early literacy and nurturing a love for reading among young patients, is now available across all locations where FMC offers pediatric services.
FMC operates eight health care centers within Lawrence County and serves approximately 16,000 patients annually. The Reach Out and Read book-gifting service is another way FMC is furthering its commitment to provide comprehensive health care services in the OH-KY-WV tri-state community. This collaborative service equips children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years with developmentally appropriate books during their routine check-ups.
Families visiting FMC’s pediatric service locations, including FMC Ironton Campus, FMC Proctorville, FMC Nancy’s Place, and FMC Chesapeake, can now participate in Read Out and Read. The service includes guidance on how families can work with their child, fostering not only early literacy skills but also nurturing relationships between families and children.
Reach Out and Read has a strong track record, having provided millions of books to children across the United States using a proven, research-backed framework. Their approach has shown positive results in improving language development, school readiness, and long-term educational outcomes for kids.
This expansion of the program across all pediatric service locations reflects FMC’s ongoing dedication to community well-being.
Nancy Lewis, FMC’s Director of Clinical Services and one of the first pediatric nurse practitioners in Ohio, is the leader behind FMC’s Reach Out and Read book-gifting service. Nancy and her husband, Tom Lewis, provided the initial donation that launched FMC’s participation in Reach Out and Read. Nancy and Tom’s donation will be used to purchase books over the next year.
Nancy shared her excitement about the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to join forces with Reach Out and Read to offer this amazing book-gifting service to the children in our community. Reading has a big impact on a child’s growth, and by integrating books into our pediatric check-ups, we can create a brighter future for the kids of Ironton and Lawrence County.”
As FMC continues its mission to offer comprehensive health care services and community support, the Reach Out and Read book-gifting program is a positive step towards empowering our community. It ensures that every child has another tool that will help them thrive academically and personally.
To sign up for Reach Out and Read, families can speak to any staff person during their next well-child visit.
For more information, please visit www.familymedicalcenters.org/ReachOutAndRead.
