Reach Out and Read Program  

Eustis, FL– The Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) launched this week the Reach Out and Read Program at both their Umatilla and Leesburg clinic sites.   During the child’s routine well visit between the ages of 6 months through 5 years, our trained providers will give an age appropriate book to the child as well as talk to the parents about the importance of reading aloud.  In addition, designated DOH-Lake sites will promote literacy in our community by ensuring the children’s waiting areas has age appropriate books for children to read. 
 
The Reach Out and Read Program is designed to promote early literacy, reading and language development skills in young children.  The program encourages parents to read to their children at an early age and make reading a significant part of the child’s life. 
 
This is significant to our community because reading aloud during early childhood is the single most important activity that builds the skills needed to start reading and learning.  More importantly, parent-child interactions in these early years support healthy brain development that forms the foundation for success later at school and in life.
 
The participating clinics are located at:
Umatilla Health Center
249 E. Collins Street
Umatilla, FL  32784
 
Leesburg Health Center
2113 Griffin Road
Leesburg, FL  34748l
 
For additional information on this program please feel free to contact Lillian Rodriguez at (352) 483-7983.

About the Florida Department of Health
 
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
 
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.