Jersey Shore University Medical Center Partners With Novadebt to Expand Reach Out and Read Program Program promotes literacy as a standard of primary care for children Contact: Kristen Indahl Jersey Shore University Medical Center 732-776-4166 kindahl@meridianhealth.com ________________________________________________________________ Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Pediatric Clinic at the Family Health Center has expanded its Reach Out and Read program, which brings new books and advice about the importance of reading aloud into the pediatric exam room, through a partnership with Novadebt, a Freehold-based non-profit consumer credit counseling organization. In addition to donating books, Novadebt staff now volunteer three days a week to read to children in the waiting areas. Reach Out and Read is a national, nonprofit literacy organization that builds partnerships with hospitals to promote the love of reading among children, particuarly those who are underserved. The program includes volunteers who read to children in waiting areas, literacy counseling from pediatricians who have received training in the Reach Out and Read model, and a free, new age-appropriate book at every wellness visit for children ages six months to 5 years. “This program provides free books to children who in some cases may not otherwise have them, and leads to an early interest in learning – which in turn means better outcomes in school and in life in general,” says Katarzyna Madejczyk, M.D., a pediatrician at Jersey Shore’s Family Health Center Pediatric Clinic and a driving force behind the program. “In addition to our volunteers reading to children, our pediatricians spend time with each parent to explain the importance of reading aloud to children and even simply pointing out pictures in books.” The program began in 2003 with a grant from Reach Out and Read, and since then Jersey Shore has continued to receive financial support from the Reach Out and Read National Center and has also received a grant from Target to maintain a supply of new books. In addition to sending volunteers to read to children, Novadebt recently held an employee book drive that resulted in the donation of several hundred books for the program. “We are strong advocates of financial literacy and literacy in general, so creating a partnership with Jersey Shore was a wonderful way for our staff to give back to the community,” says Diane Giarratano, Director of Counseling and Education at Novadebt. “The feedback from our volunteers has been fantastic – they find interacting with the children a very rewarding experience.” Jersey Shore’s Pediatric Clinic sees about 1,800 patients a year for both well visits and acute care. In addition to providing new books for wellness visits up to age five, older children and those seen for acute care presently receive a gently used book. Jersey Shore hopes to expand this program so that every child leaves the clinic with a book. To donate books or funds to Jersey Shore’s Reach Out and Read program or to inquire about volunteering, please call 732-776-4267. About Jersey Shore University Medical Center Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a university teaching hospital affiliate of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Home to the one of the top-rated cardiac surgery programs in the State, and the only trauma center in Monmouth and Ocean counties, Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiac care and surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and advanced women’s and children’s health services.