Continuing a Vital Partnership: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Renews Support for Reach Out and Read–Alabama
The Alabama Chapter–American Academy of Pediatrics and Reach Out and Read–Alabama are proud to share that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved continuation of the Reach Out and Read–Alabama Health Services Initiative through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
This highlights the shared commitment of ADPH, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE), and the Alabama Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to improving child health outcomes by integrating early literacy into pediatric care.
At the heart of Reach Out and Read is a simple but powerful practice: clinicians give each child a new, developmentally appropriate book at every well-child visit from birth through age five, while modeling and encouraging parents to read aloud together daily. This evidence-based approach supports language development, social-emotional growth, and strong parent-child relationships, all essential to lifelong learning and health.
ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks echoed this commitment. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Reach Out and Read-Alabama to grow stronger and serve even more children and families across Alabama. By placing books in the hands of parents and caregivers during well-child visits, we not only encourage literacy but also support healthy child development. This partnership is an investment in Alabama’s youngest learners and their future success.”
Reach Out and Read–Alabama Program Director Amy Crosby reflected on the statewide impact and future goals: “This Health Services Initiative makes it possible for us to reach thousands more children across Alabama, aiming to increase participation by 10 percent each year over for the next three years. In 2024, Reach Out and Read–Alabama distributed 154,579 books, serving more than 112,000 children statewide. We are deeply grateful to our partners and to the CHIP program for their continued support and shared dedication to the health and well-being of Alabama’s youngest residents.”
Through this ongoing partnership, clinicians across the state are not just prescribing books; they are prescribing connection, curiosity, and confidence. Together, we are shaping a healthier Alabama, one well-child visit at a time.