Media and Events

Media and Events

June 7, 2010 

Reach Out and Read Dr. Sheryl Morelli’s letter Help Kids Get Head Start on Reading shows how Public Health-Seattle King County is responding to the call to promote early literacy.

June 5, 2010

Reach Out and Read Director Dr. Jill Sells’ letter Readying Kids to Read in response to the The Seattle Times editorial “Read it and Weep” is published. Both pieces refer to the recently released report from Kids Count:  Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters. 

May 26, 2010

The Army Ranger newspaper for the Fort Lewis area highlights Reach Out and Read, and the Classrooms that Care partnership. Popular reading program gets local boost: Madigan receives 3,000 books to hand out to military children.

May 21, 2010

Madigan News marks program milestones in Reach Out and Read marks second year at Madigan. 

May 16, 2010 

Longview Reach Out and Read Pediatrician Dr. Phyllis Cavens’ editorial Early Education Encourages Success appears in The Daily News. “We here in Cowlitz County…are involved with the 10-year plan from Washington State’s Department of Early Learning to ensure all our children are healthy and ready to learn when they enter kindergarten. Our community leaders are joining this effort because they recognize that our children are the future, and we are obligated to develop a plan to guide the work of everyone who cares for, works with, or is concerned about young children, so that the adults in children’s’ lives work collaboratively and toward unified goals,“ says Dr. Cavens, President of the Cowlitz Child Psychiatry/Early Learning Coalition.

May 3, 2010 

Deer Park doctor provides prescription for literacy. “Children who visit Dr. Daniel Moorman for their wellness check-ups get more than the routine physical exam. They also receive a brand new book, plus the experience of being read to by their own pediatrician.“ The Spokesman-Review presents a feature story on Reach Out and Read, and our newest program at the Community Health Association of Spokane’s North County Clinic.

April 30, 2010

Tacoma School Kids Support Young Military Families.   Thanks to the generosity of students participating in Scholastic’s ClassroomsCare program, hundreds more children of military families will receive a brand-new book through the Reach Out and Read program the next time they visit their doctor at Madigan Army Medical Center. Read more in The Tacoma News Tribune. 

April 2010

ParentMap Magazine features 10 Superheroes for Washington Families, and Reach Out and Read Washington State Director Jill Sells is humbled to be among them. 

March 23, 2010

ABC World News features Reach Out and Read CEO in American Heart: Earl Phalen, Teaching Kids To Read. Abandoned at birth, he went on to Yale and Harvard, now helps millions of kids.

March 16, 2010 

Noting the launch of our newest program at the CHAS Clinic in Deer Park, Washington, Reach Out and Read is featured live on KREM 2 News at Noon in Spokane.  Dr. Jill Sells was interviewed by anchor Sten Walstrom while video was shown of Dr. Woodruff implementing Reach Out and Read in the office. 

March 15, 2010

Dr. Jill Sells is interviewed on the KXLY Morning News with Bud Nameck in Spokane about the start of a new Reach Out and Read program in Deer Park, Washington.  The launching of the North County CHAS Clinic (Community Health Association of Spokane) marks the start of a new partnership between Reach Out and Read and the Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning.

March, 2010

Community Partnerships Support Reach Out and Read Expansion article is featured in the Washington Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics newsletter (page 6). This describes the new Culture of Literacy grants to four areas of the state: Chelan Douglas Early Learning Coalition, the Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning, the Olympic-Kitsap Early Learning Coalition, and the Walla Walla Valley Early Learning Coalition.

January 12, 2010

Dr. Perri Klass, Reach Out and Read’s National Medical Director, is featured as one of 50 women who are “changing the world,” in Woman’s Day magazine, recognizing her work with Reach Out and Read.  She has some impressive company, as Hillary Clinton, Marian Wright Edelman, Melinda Gates, Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey are among those included. We are thrilled for Dr. Klass, and appreciate all she has done to help us bring Reach Out and Read to children in Washington, and across the country. 

January 2010

Dr. Karen Fitzgerald, ARNP, features Reach Out and Read in her President’s Message in the newsletter for the Washington Chapter, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Dr. Fitzgerald has been the Coordinator of the Reach Out and Read Program at Madigan Army Hospital since the program launched in 2008.  She is a wonderful advocate for early literacy, and for supporting the needs of military families.

January 2010

Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff is recognized as a Doctor Making a Difference in the winter edition of South Sound Magazine. We are lucky to have Dr. Woodruff as Reach Out and Read Washington’s Medical Director.  “My role is Washington state is to introduce Reach Out and Read to other physicians so they can embark on this, too,“ Dr. Woodruff said.  This Tacoma pediatrician and her Pediatrics Northwest colleagues in Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Federal Way have participated since 2001.  “We will distribute nearly 10,000 books into little hands this year.“  Thank you, Pediatrics Northwest!

December 13, 2009

Today The Boeing Company delivered a grant of $25,000 to support Reach Out and Read Washington State.  Shyla Miller, Boeing’s Community Investor for Early Learning, said “The Boeing Company is thrilled to partner with Reach Out and Read to support parents and promote early literacy.“ Corporate support for early learning is a vital part of our public-private partnership model. Boeing’s leadership in supporting Reach Out and Read Washington State for two years in a row has been a key to our success to date.  Thank you Boeing!

December 2009

Promoting Early Literacy in Pediatric Practice: Twenty Years of Reach Out and Read. Dr. Barry Zuckerman provides an overview of the history, significance, and effectiveness of Reach Out and Read.  Since ROR started, an increasing amount of research confirms the importance of reading aloud for the development of language and other emergent literacy skills, which in turn helps children get ready for school and leads to later success in reading.  The growth of ROR represents a physician-driven transformation of primary care that benefits low-income children. 

December 1, 2009

Today the Department of Early Learning, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Thrive by Five Washington delivered to Governor Chris Gregoire a Draft Early Learning Plan and Recommendations for “near-term” actions to implement the plan. Reach Out and Read and many health providers contributed to this process.  We are excited to describe how Reach Out and Read supports all 5 Recommendations to the Governor, and supports six of the Prioritized Initiatives. ROR is a proven early literacy program with demonstrated outcomes, but it is also a “cross-discipline” strategy which plays an integral role in many parts of Washington’s evolving early learning system.  Reach Out and Read is a parenting education and early literacy program within the medical setting, serves children from 6 months through 5 years, provides professional development for health providers, and builds partnerships with parents and communities to help support an effective arly learning system.   

October 28, 2009 

Thanks to UPS Stores and the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, Reach Out and Read has eleven thousands new books to give to young children across Washington. “Today’s economic challenges further highlight the ongoing need to make sure families have books at home to share with their children. Reach Out and Read doctors will give these books to children across Washington, as they talk with parents about the importance of reading aloud with their infants, toddlers and preschoolers. We are humbled by the generosity of the people of Washington State and thankful to Toys for Tots and The UPS Store for their efforts in helping to support young families,”  said Dr. Jill Sells, Director of Reach Out and Read Washington State. Read more.

October 2, 2009

Charity Navigator gives Reach Out and Read its 5th consecutive 4-star rating, placing ROR in top 4% of charities nationwide. Ken Berger, President and CEO of Charity Navigator, said, “This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Reach Out and Read from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Read more.

September 30, 2009

Drs. Sells and Woodruff present a work session about Reach Out and Read to the Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee of the Washington State Legislature in Olympia.  See the video recording of the session at www.tvw.org.

September 28, 2009

Congressman Adam Smith, District 9, reads to children at the Pediatrics Northwest Federal Way clinic Reach Out and Read program.

September 21, 2009

Reach Out and Read to Receive $5 Million in U.S. Department of Education funds. Reach Out and Read (ROR) will receive $4,964,051 in federal funding from the Department of Education to expand and improve its educational programs nationwide. Washington state benefits directly from this funding, because this federal funding helps support ROR Washington State and is intended to help leverage public and private funds within Washington. The funding also reduces book costs nationwide, and provides books directly to our programs across the state.  Read more.  We appreciate the support of Senators Murray and Cantwell and Representatives McDermott and Dicks for this federal appropriation. 

September 18, 2009 

Doctor uses office to share reading in the Renton Reporter highlights the leadership of Reach Out and Read doctor Sonja Maddox, a family physician at Pacific Medical Center.

September 14, 2009

Earl Martin Phalen is named the new CEO of Reach Out and Read. Judy Newman, Chair of Reach Out and Read’s National Board of Directors, said “Earl Martin Phalen is a proven leader with a lifelong passion for social change and promoting school readiness for all children.  Earl’s vision, energy, and commitment to early childhood education will be a dynamic match for the Reach Out and Read organization, and I know that his leadership will take ROR to new heights in the years ahead.”

September 11, 2009

Reach Out and Read teams up with First Book to Deliver 13,000 books to Washington state programs to honor first official 9/11 Day of Service.  “Reach Out and Read is thrilled to put more books into the hands of young children and families through medical practices across Washington state in honor of the Day of Service and Remembrance,” said Dr. Jill Sells, Director of Reach Out and Read Washington State. “It is an honor to support families, and the doctors and communities who serve them, so we can help children be healthy and ready for success in school.” 

August 27, 2009

Congressman Jim McDermott, District 8, visits the Reach Out and Read program at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt Pediatric Care Center. Photo by Clare McLean, UW Medicine.

August 2009 

Dr. Sonja Maddox, Reach Out and Read Coordinator for PacMed in Renton, is quoted in ParentMap’s story Make Summer Reading Fun. “Even if a child’s attention span is a minute, point out pictures, name things in books and make this a part of their everyday routine,” says Dr. Sonja Maddox, a Renton family medicine practitioner.

July 26, 2009

Dr. Stephen Pearson’s guest commentary “Support Infants and Toddlers in our Community, the First Step in Preventing School Drop-Outs“ was featured in Sunday’s Yakima Herald Republic.   

July 17, 2009

The Wiggles and Comcast Arena in Everett Washington support Reach Out and Read Washington State through a great show and successful bookdrive.  See photos.   

July 16, 2009

Reach Out and Read Washington programs benefit from the Curbside book drive, and donors receive free ice skating passes. See Children’s Book Drive in Everett’s Comcast Arena on King 5 TV.

July 13, 2009

The Spokane Spokesman-Review highlights upcoming Wiggles event, including the Reach Out and Read book drive.  See Wiggles Bring Fun, Frivolity to Spokane.

July 9, 2009

On July 16th from 7am-6 pm outside Comcast Arena at Everett, Global Spectrum and The Wiggles are holding a Curbside Book Drive to benefit Reach Out and Read.  An extension of the book drive to be held at the The Wiggles “Go Bananas Live!“ Summer Tour shows on July 17th, this exciting event will engage community members in supporting children’s literacy!  Book donors receive a free Comcast Community Ice Rink Skating Pass, and some lucky donors will receive tickets to The Wiggles. At certain times there are other free giveaways, like coffee, popcorn and ice cream. Read the media release, and bring a children’s board book to Broadway (between Hewitt and Wall Street) in downtown Everett on July 16th.  Before you shop, see our doctor-recommended book list for ideas.

July 7, 2009

The first stops on the The Wiggles “Go Bananas Live!“ Summer Tour are right here in Washington State!  Book drives at all four shows will benefit Reach Out and Read Washington State programs. The Wiggles are encouraging families to bring a new book to donate to ROR at each of their shows. Read the Seattle/Everett and Spokane press releases; and the doctor recommended book list for donation ideas. Take a small person to enjoy a show on July 17th in Everett or July 18th in Spokane, and bring a book for another Washington family to enjoy!

June 30, 2009

We are excited to announce Reach Out and Read’s national partnership with children’s entertainers, The Wiggles! The Wiggles will be supporting Reach Out and Read on their “Go Bananas Live!“ Summer Tour by encouraging families to bring a new book to donate to ROR at each of their 34 tour stops, starting right here in Washington state!  Read the national press release, and see the doctor recommended book list for donation ideas.

June 25, 2009

The Navy News Service highlights the new program at Navy Hospital Bremerton. “One of the points is to introduce them to books and get them to love reading, so when they get to school they’re ready to learn,“ said Dr. Karen Elhai, of NHB’s pediatric department and a contributor to the Reach Out and Read Program.“ Read the story Bremerton Pediatrics Department Starts “Reach Out and Read” Program.

June 23, 2009

To kick off his “United We Serve” campaign, President Obama asked each of his Cabinet members to participate in a volunteer activity.  U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius chose to tour the Reach Out and Read Site at Takoma Park Pediatrics in Maryland and read to children in the waiting room. Click here to see a slide show of her visit.

May 2, 2009

Navy Hospital Bremerton (NHB) joins Fairchild Air Force Base and Madigan Army Medical Center as Reach Out and Read sites at military facilities in Washington state. NHB’s “Got Talent” show raised over $2500 to support the new Reach Out and Program at Bremerton. “This talent show wasn’t a contest, it was about sharing our talents for a good cause,“ said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Matt Hefner. “There are so many technologies out there and children tend to forget about reading. This program will promote a positive hobby for children and their families.“

April 21, 2009

Reach Out and Read is featured on King 5 TV’s Learning For Life series. Watch Reaching out and encouraging reading a TV segment featuring Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff in her Tacoma office.

March 16, 2009

The Bellevue Reporter featured Eastgate Public Health’s Reach Out and Read program.  See Doctors’ orders: read to your kids.

January 25, 2009

The Sunday Tacoma News Tribune featured Dr. MaryAnn Woodruff’s ROR article and photo with a family. See Reach Out and READ Doctors participate in program to deliver free books to children, promote reading. 

January 2009

The Mountaineer, A Madigan Army Medical Center Publication, showcased the launching of the new Reach Out and Read site at Madigan as part of a national ROR Military Initiative. “The ultimate goal is to make books an important part of children’s lives,“ said Dr. Karen Fitzgerald, the director of the Madigan ROR program.  See the excerpted story and photo Pilot program encourages reading to children.

December 10, 2008

Wenatchee World highlights the Columbia Valley Reach Out and Read Program, which has been serving local families since 2003. “Doctors and nurses hold a special sort of esteem in parents’ eyes, particularly for low-income families. They hold a position of respect, so there’s weight when they say, ‘It’s important to read to your children,’ ” said Rebecca Schimelfenig, RN, ROR coordinator. See photo and full story at Doctor’s Orders: Read to Your Kids.

November 13, 2008

The Spanish newspaper El Mundo featured the new Reach Out and Read program at Eastgate Public Health in Bellevue. Entitled “La importancia de leer con los niños,“ the article described the ROR book grant received by the Clinic. Dr Diana Lindner, ROR program director at the clinic was quoted about the importance of the program in their practice, the ability to distribute bilingual books and the fact that most families they serve did not have books to share with their children at home.“ (Text in Spanish only, not available on line).

October 30, 2008

Just before the election, The Seattle Times published ROR Washington Director’s guest column on the importance of investing in young children, even in our current economic climate. Dr. Sells explained the connection to Reach Out and Read and Washington’s statewide efforts.  Read Invest in children for nation’s economic health. 

October 3, 2008

KIMATV.com in Yakima ran a story on the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic Reach Out and Read program after they received a ROR WA book grant. Watch it here Helping Children’s Literacy Rates.

May 13, 2008

US News and World Report highlights Reach Out and Read’s unique approach in an article on reading to young children.

May 1, 2008

Reach Out and Read launches a YouTube Channel featuring new videos of its work in action.