Books donated to pediatric center by Phoebe Putney Health System employees

ALBANY — To promote literacy in Southwest Georgia, Phoebe Putney Health System employees kicked off the season of giving by donating more than 200 new and gently used books to be distributed to organizations.

Phoebe officials said a majority of the books were delivered recently to Dr. Donna Edmond-King, a pediatrician at East Albany Pediatric and Adolescent Center, to aid in her ongoing early literacy mission. She works with a national literacy group called Reach Out and Read, a non-profit organization that trains and supports medical providers to work with families to develop early literacy skills.

At the pediatrics center, the waiting room offers books and other reading materials to help pass the time. Taking it a step further, Edmond-King encourages families to take a book home to grow their personal libraries.

“The children that are served at East Albany Pediatric Center are very grateful for the generous book donation from Phoebe. This donation will assist us in sustaining our Reach Out and Read program at the center,” said Edmond-King.

Research presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that reading proficiency by third grade is the most significant predictor of high school graduation and career success, yet two-thirds of U.S. third-graders lack competent reading skills. The study also reports that children who are read to during infancy and preschool years tend to develop superior language skills when they start school and are more interested in reading.

“Dr. Edmond-King is making a difference in children’s lives every day, not only by providing quality healthcare but also by promoting literacy. Helping children gain a lifelong skill is a tremendous asset to our community,” said Phoebe President and CEO Joel Wernick.

During Georgia Pre-K Week earlier this month, Wernick read to the K-4 classes at Phoebe’s Family Tree child development center. Other special guest readers during the week included Susan Harper, Bright from the Start board member; Angie Barber, Phoebe Network of Trust director and Voices for Georgia’s Children board member and Phoebe web designer Jennifer Almeida.

The book drive is the first of a new, ongoing project called “Phoebe Gives.” Employees who donate items are encouraged to support their favorite sports team by wearing game day gear on select Fridays.

The Early Brain and Child Development initiative of the AAP states that it “aims to change how pediatricians and their communities view the early childhood developmental period, and how they care for and invest in young children.” For more information on the impact of reading during early childhood, visit aap.org.

Reach Out and Read reports that, each year, medical providers at program sites nationwide distribute 6.5 million books to children and while providing literacy advice to parents, impacting 4.4 million children. In Georgia, there are 78 Reach Out and Read programs serving 74,839 children and distributing 128,178 books annually. For more information, visit reachoutandread.org.