Well…it’s abundantly clear that it is summer in the Midwest – sweltering heat, drooping flowers, and sometimes drooping people as well! Our summer mantra in clinics is hydration, sunscreen, insect repellent and book sharing

So how about finding sanctuary in the nearest public library?   Lots going on for the littles to encourage them to continue their reading over the summer…to avoid the dreaded summer slide – the loss of skills that seems nearly inevitable over summer break!

I’ve begun the cycle of Reach Out and Read orientation lectures to first year residents in pediatrics and family medicine across the metro (4 schools of medicine, about 50 residents and 9 groups to share with).  Some new residents experienced ROR during their medical school pediatric clerkships, but for many, the ROR program is brand new.  I always ask them what their favorite childhood book or favorite reading memory was as a child.  "Brown Bear, Brown Bear", "Bad Kitty", "Pete the Cat" and "Give a Mouse a Cookie" are among the titles mentioned. The focus of orientation is multi-pronged:  the joy that the gift of a book and advice from the provider brings to both the child and family, as well as the provider; the opportunity to teach families about how book sharing helps provide many moments that matter in early relationship building; and the importance of a rich language environment for our patients’ normal language development.

ROR-KC makes it possible for all the kids coming to our clinics for their check-ups to get either a brand new book (kids birth to 5) or a gently used book for any kiddo showing up for any type of visit.   The generous gifts from our donors make these moments of joy possible for our patients and their families, as well as for all the pediatricians, family medicine doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants delivering the ROR message.  You each are making a difference, one child at a time, and thousands of times every day in our community!   Thank you!