Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter had children screaming “hooray” during a celebration Wednesday at The Family Health Center in Denver.
Three former Colorado first ladies, staffers, volunteers and a group of about 20 children joined Ritter to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Denver Health Medical Center’s Reach Out and Read program.
The national Reach Out and Read started in 1989. Clinics give juvenile patients books to take home, and doctors work to teach parents how important reading is for children’s development.
“It’s not about reading necessarily but about establishing a love of books,” Ritter said. “I think it’s a great message to send.”
Former first ladies Frances Owens, Bea Romer and Dottie Lamm joined Ritter in reading to a group of children who sat captivated by classics such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”
Reach Out and Read distributes 16,000 new books annually in Denver to children ages 6 months to 5 years who come in for regular check-ups.
The program has expanded to serve 10 clinics throughout Denver. Statewide, it serves 90.
By the time the kids are ready to start school, they have a library of eight to 10 books, said Dr. Steve Vogler, who started Denver Health’s program in 1997.
In addition to books, the program sends volunteers to clinics to read to children and give an example for parents to follow.
The health setting adds its own benefits. It involves families who are difficult to reach and lends the strength of the doctor-family relationship, said Ann Logan, board chairwoman of Reach Out and Read Colorado State Coalition.
Talking and reading with children is critical to reading and language skills and is imperative to success in school, Vogler said.
For parents and children who haven’t had exposure to books, this becomes painfully apparent when kids start school, Ritter said.
“Many (parents) didn’t have the benefit of growing up with books themselves,” Vogler said, “so they don’t understand the importance.
Staff writer Simona Gallegos can be reached at 303-954-1555 or sgallegos@denverpost.com.
How to help
To volunteer for Denver Health Medical Center’s Reach Out and Read program, call 303-436-8288.
