Anson County Partnership for Children recently recognized Anson Pediatrics and Wadesboro Family Medicine for promoting literacy in Anson County through participation in the Reach Out and Read Program, a national evidence-based literacy program sponsored by the Partnership. Both medical practices received Champions for Children awards for their efforts.
Anson County Partnership for Children collaborates with these practices by providing a literacy-rich waiting area and a new age-appropriate book for each child 6 months to 5 years of age who receives a well-child check. The doctors reinforce the importance of reading by giving each parent a “prescription” for 30 minutes of daily reading with their children. The Partnership recognizes that Anson County is fortunate to have these two dedicated medical practices serving children and families.
Doctors evaluate the development of a child by observing the response when he or she is given a book. A six-month old child may put the book in her mouth to explore it while a toddler will probably turn the pages to see what the story is about by looking at the pictures. Both these responses indicate that the child is developing normally. The doctor uses this observation to discuss developmental milestones with parents.
In the past year, pediatricians Dr. Sarah Elliott and Dr. Olivia Peters and staff provided more than 800 children with Reach Out and Read books as part of their well-child checks. Reach Out and Read is so popular with their young patients that the practice requested additional books to give to siblings of patients and to children during sick visits. Now all young children visiting Anson Pediatrics have an opportunity to take home books. Dr. Elliott and Dr. Peters show their dedication to the children and families of Anson County through their tireless, creative efforts to promote literacy. The Partnership appreciates the efforts of Anson Pediatrics site manager, Resi Ledbetter, who assists with the Reach Out and Read Program.
Dr. Lisa Bracey and staff from Wadesboro Family Medicine also participate in the Reach Out and Read Program at Wadesboro Family Medicine. Dividing her time between children and her large adult patient population, she uses this program to encourage literacy within her younger patients and their parents and grandparents. The Partnership appreciates the efforts of Wadesboro Family Medicine nurse, Randa McIver, who assists with the Reach Out and Read Program.
Anson County Partnership for Children recognizes the dedication of these local medical practices who promote literacy as a part the development of healthy bodies and minds. Both of these medical practices are to be commended for their outstanding work with the Reach Out and Read Program in Anson County. Through their efforts, they are helping make Anson County “a better place to be a child and to raise a child.”
