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3800 American Blvd West
Suite 1500 - 8013
Bloomington, MN 55431

#BooksBuildBetterBrains

About Us

Our Work

A BOOK IS JUST THE BEGINNING

At clinics across Minnesota, healthcare providers use the Reach Out and Read program to talk about how reading, singing, and talking to young children can prepare them for a happier and healthier future.

We provide brand new books and early developmental guidance to young children and their families at over 300 clinics statewide.

Together we can build a future for Minnesota where every child has the relationships, resources, and support they need to succeed.
 


Father and toddler share book together

OUR MISSION

We seek to strengthen all families with young children in Minnesota through guidance from medical clinicians about nurturing relationships through shared reading.


 


Clinician and young girl read book together

OUR WORK

At over 300 clinics across the state, medical clinicians trained in our program give books to children and give developmental guidance to parents and caregivers at their children's routine well-child visits. Our program gives young children and their families both the resources and knowledge they need to build a foundation for a healthier and happier future. 

 

 

Why it matters

The first years of a child's life build a foundation for their future. Every book read, every snuggle shared, and every song sung together make a difference that can last a lifetime. 

The simple act of snuggling up and sharing a book has incredible effects. Reading with a loved one constructs the neural pathways of a child's brain, it makes them feel secure and loved, and it reduces toxic stress, allowing the child to learn and grow healthily. The science makes it clear: books build better brains

With the high cost of childcare, the pervasive presence of screens, and enormous inequities in education and health outcomes, Minnesota families currently face many tough challenges in supporting their young children's learning. 

The evidence tells us our program can make a real difference. 

Research shows that among participating families:

  • Parents and caregivers read more often to their children.
  • Children have increased expressive and receptive vocabulary scores.
  • Parents and caregivers have higher levels of trust in their children's healthcare provider
  • Children have higher rates of attendance at their well-child visits
     

 

"I've seen parents that were not getting their kids in for regular vaccinations or well visits start coming regularly to their scheduled well visits because there is something to look forward to: to learn about, to improve their child's life and education, to be involved with reading to their child from a book in their own language. It's so exciting."

Rachael Rapacz, MD, Hennepin Healthcare

3800 American Blvd West
Suite 1500 - 8013
Bloomington, MN 55431
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