Harborview's Literacy Program was created in May 1998 as part of the services offered in our Children and Teens Clinic.
The program builds on the strong and trusting relationships parents have with their children's pediatricians. During every well child visit from birth to five years of age, the provider gives a book that is appropriate for the child's age and stage of development.
The program is based on the Reach Out and Read model from Boston Medical Center that encourages reading to children as a way to stimulate brain development in the early years of life, encourage early literacy skills, and help children grow up with a love of books.
Harborview's Literacy Program originated with funds donated to the Children's clinic by the construction crew working on the building projects at the Hospital. Clinic staff used the funds to purchase books, and that led to the desire of several clinic staff members and Harborview's Community Service League to create a literacy program. Washington Literacy contributed their expertise, and Reach Out and Read granted the start up books. With the support of Harborview and other foundations, the program has grown to distribute new and used books and volunteer readers to the following clinics:
- Children and Teens Clinic
- Family Medicine Clinic
- Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Clinic
- Emergency Department
- Harborview Spanish Language Parenting Classes
- Northwest Family Center
- Madison Clinic