Books provided to all newborns at the Birth Center at Robinson Memorial hospital
Target recently awarded a $2,000 grant to the Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of the Robinson Reads program which provides books to all newborns at the Birth Center at Robinson Memorial and to all children ages six months to five years of age during well-child visits at Robinson Health Affiliates, Inc., offices.
Fifty percent of a child's brain development occurs between birth and age four, according to Reach Out and Read, a nationally-recognized organization which promotes early literacy. Robinson Reads coordinates its efforts closely with Reach Out and Read, which is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"Robinson Reads encourages parents to spend time with their children and helps children develop an interest in books and learning," said Deborah Solan, executive director of the Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation. "Local physician offices are the ideal place to distribute books because the doctor has an ongoing relationship with the family and is concerned with the child's cognitive development."
About 6,500 well-child visits take place annually in Portage County.
Since 1946, Target has given more than $3 million every week to the communities it serves. Target is proud to partner with organizations like Robinson Memorial Hospital to meet the needs of local communities, according to their community relations department.
Contact:
Deborah Solan
Executive Director
Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation
(330) 297-8801
dsolan@rmh2.org