CareSource continues partnership with Reach Out and Read

CareSource is a proud partner of Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that supplies books to children during pediatric checkups. CareSource has invested $316,000 since 2021 to support the distribution of over 30,000 books through well-child visits.

Recognizing CareSource’s commitment and dedication to promoting literacy, Reach Out and Read named CareSource to its inaugural Honor Roll, which celebrates partners who are deeply invested into Reach Out and Read’s mission of promoting child development through reading and literacy.

At every well-child visit from birth to age five, children who see a partnering health care provider receive a book to take home. During the visits, pediatricians educate parents and caregivers about the importance of reading aloud to their child and discuss how it promotes healthy brain development and verbal skills. They also offer advice to incorporate reading into daily routines.

“Literacy plays a crucial role in an individual’s ability to understand and make informed decisions about their health. Low literacy rates are associated with several negative health outcomes including decreased use of preventative services, higher mortality rates and less optimal overall health,” said Dr. Nguyen, chief medical officer of CareSource Georgia. “Our partnership with Reach out and Read Georgia allows us to promote literacy to young Georgians and educate parents on the importance of reading, helping to reduce health care disparities across the state.”

The Reach Out and Read program’s evidence-based approach is making a difference in Georgia and across the country. In participating families, parents are 2.5 times more likely to read with their infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and they are twice as likely to read with their children three or more times a week. This has a direct impact on improving children’s language development.

“The support from CareSource Georgia has allowed Reach Out and Read to expand to include additional medical practices across Georgia and provide co-branded educational resources and new children’s books to our provider partners,” said Amy Erickson, executive director of Reach Out and Read Georgia. “We are thankful for our partnership with CareSource and their dedication to improving the literacy skills of young Georgians.”