An Evening with Dr. Dipesh Navsaria Inspires Cross-Sector Collaboration for Alabama’s Children
On a Thursday evening in July, Reach Out and Read-Alabama and the Executive Board of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics hosted a private dinner and conversation with nationally recognized pediatrician, educator, and advocate Dr. Dipesh Navsaria. Held at Central Restaurant in downtown Montgomery, the event brought together a dedicated group of leaders from state agencies and children’s advocacy organizations for a focused discussion on the intersection of early relational health, early literacy, and public policy.
Dr. Navsaria, who is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board for Reach Out and Read’s National Center and just concluded his term as chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Early Childhood, offered a powerful message on the importance of early experiences in shaping lifelong outcomes. Drawing from his unique background in medicine, public health, and child development, he challenged attendees to consider how intentional, cross-sector partnerships can better support the healthy development of Alabama’s youngest citizens.
“When multiple entities from public and private sectors step outside their silos and focus on the well-being of children and their families, we see incredible things happening to support thriving societies. The energy and conversations in the room that evening show how much potential Alabama has to take childhood flourishing to the next level. We build strong relational health by addressing not just information gaps, but through intentional skill-building and confidence-bolstering in parents.”
—Dipesh Navsaria, MD
Guests included representatives from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Department of Early Childhood Education, VOICES for Alabama’s Children, the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, AL-AAP Board Members, Alabama Children First, Alabama Medicaid, and others, reflecting a shared commitment across systems to improve long-term outcomes for children and families.
“This conversation marked an important step forward in aligning the work happening in clinics, classrooms, and communities,” said Amy Crosby, Program Director for Reach Out and Read-Alabama. “It affirmed the power of collaboration, and the urgency to build a future where every child is surrounded by nurturing relationships and rich early learning experiences from the very beginning.”
Reach Out and Read-Alabama is grateful to Dr. Navsaria for his leadership, and to all who attended, lending their voices and vision to this important evening. We look forward to continued dialogue and action as we work together to ensure that every child in Alabama has the opportunity to thrive.
