Reach Out & Read

A winning prescription for learning to read
Garland COPC has Rx for children's future

Reading is contagious in Garland Health Center, thanks in part to a successful partnership between Barnes & Noble Booksellers and the clinic.

Liliana Jimenez, a Language Assistant who also heads up the Reach Out and Read program at Garland COPC, has been working with the Barnes & Noble located near the clinic for three years. Together they have been able to enhance the Reach Out and Read program, which promotes early literacy by giving new books to children while at medical appointments at all Parkland COPCs.

During the holiday season, the bookstore accepted donations for children's books for the Garland COPC. This year, the store collected 2,129 books. "This year the response was incredible. We more than quadrupled the amount of books given last year," said Joanna Rogers, Community Relations Manager for Barnes & Noble.

The bookshelves at Garland's COPC are overflowing. Jimenez knows they will soon be held by little hands.

"We start giving the children books at six months old. It is vital to start teaching them the importance of reading early. It is also key to encourage the parents to read to them," she added.

Staff members at Garland Health Center understand that the program provides the tools to help promote children's developmental skills and success in school. Books can also help make the trip to the doctor more pleasant.

"These donated books truly help make a visit go better for the patient and the health care provider. It's really great for everyone," added Teresa Garry, lead RN at Garland COPC.

And, the parents of these little patients agree. "Vivian loves the books she receives from her doctor's visit. Her favorite are the picture books," said Claudia Navarrete, mother of a young patient.