September 10 - Club Meeting

After a rousing round of "Happy Dollars", we were pleased to hear from guest speaker Dr. Sylvia Sekhorn, MD.  Dr. Sekhorn is on the Board of Directors of an organization called "Reach Out and Read Minnesota".  Their mission is to give young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a landmark policy statement referencing their program as effective in preparing children to achieve their potential in school and beyond.  Their process is to work with healthcare providers to incorporate "Reach Out and Read" into well-child visits from six-months through five years.  Providers speak with parents about the importance of reading, talking, singing, and playing with their child, starting in infancy.  Each child receives a new age-appropriate book at their check-up.  Many program sites create literacy-rich environments through gently used books in waiting and exam rooms, volunteer readers to model reading aloud to young children, and posters to prompt parent-child conversation.  Research has shown this program to be effective.  262 clinics in MN have participated and they are currently making a concentrated effort within Native American communities in northern MN.