Pine Bluff – U.S. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln today visited the Flowers Pediatric Clinic in Pine Bluff to read to children as part of the Reach Out and Read Program.
“One of the greatest joys that I have experienced as a mother has been the time spent reading to my twin boys throughout their lives,” said Lincoln. “Like many parents, I understand that it is often difficult to carve out enough time in the day for ordinary household tasks. However, reading to your children is an investment that pays large dividends. Time spent together reading not only demonstrates your love and devotion to your children, it also fosters learning and understanding that can last a lifetime.”
“Reach Out and Read is designed to provide early language skills that are essential for the healthy development of young children. I am grateful to Dr. John Flowers for supporting the program’s worthy mission of improving the lives of children and families. Children are our greatest blessings and they deserve every tool necessary to help them reach their full potential.”
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national, nonprofit children’s literacy organization that works with medical providers to reach the children at greatest risk – children aged 6 months to 5 years living at or near poverty. Medical providers participating in ROR give books to their youngest low-income patients at checkups and advise their parents about the importance of reading.
The Flowers Pediatric Clinic has been a site for the Reach out and Read Program since March 2007. The clinic’s main aim is to enhance visual stimulation and peek a child’s interest in their environment through book illustration, picture and word association. The clinic also supports parental efforts to expose their children to books and reading.
The Flowers Pediatric Clinic has established relationships with three volunteers to read to the children at least once every two weeks. The clinic’s staff also plays a large role in reading and asking questions to the children.
There are currently 20 Reach Out and Read programs throughout Arkansas.
