LYNN — Gov. Maura Healey visited Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) to learn about the Reach Out and Read program, which aims to promote early childhood literacy and language development among pediatric patients during well child visits from birth to 5-years-old.

During her visit on March 29, Healey, along with Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Commissioner of the Department of Early Education & Care Amy Kershaw, Mayor Jared Nicholson, and members of the Lynn state delegation had the opportunity to hear from LCHC pediatricians about the impactful work being done by the Reach Out and Read program. 

Providers use multilingual books as a tool in measuring pediatric milestones. They model to the parent or guardian how to “read” to the child and how to engage the child in the process, emphasizing the importance reading is on brain development. Providers give parents/guardians the “prescription” to parents to read to their child every day for 20 minutes.

“Investing in early childhood literacy is essential for the success of our children. Evidence-based literacy learning programs like Reach Out and Read play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and language development among young learners,” Healey said.

“We were honored to have Governor Healey and other distinguished guests visit our center and witness firsthand the impactful work of our staff, “ LCHC CEO Brenda Rodriguez said. “At LCHC we treat the whole child, and we are so proud to be one of the early partners of the program, dating back to 1996, with over 5,000 books given out each year.”

“We at Reach Out and Read deeply value our partnership with the Lynn Community Health Center, a pivotal ally in our mission towards health equity and early childhood success,” Reach Out and Read Executive Director Alex Chu said. 

Chu said health centers serve as the “backbone” of communities, making sure children and families have access to various resources and care.

“Together, we’re proud to support over 6,000 children a year aged 0-5 in laying a foundation for success through the transformative power of books and the shared joy of reading aloud,” Chu said.

At the conclusion of her visit,  Healey read to a group of LCHC pediatric patients, offering some hands-on experience and interaction.