At Reach Out and Read Northwest, our commitment to children and families has never wavered. We have worked with Washington’s pediatric clinicians to incorporate shared reading into well-child visits for nearly three decades. Our evidence-based model supports early brain development, fosters strong parent-child bonds, and lays the foundation for long-term school and life success. As we face new challenges, that commitment remains our guiding light. We will do what we’ve always done: Show up, adapt, and find community-driven solutions to support early childhood development through the power of books, relationships, and pediatric care.
Washington State’s final operating budget, released April 26, 2025, reflects heartbreaking decisions with real and lasting impact. Due to a $16 billion budget shortfall, Reach Out and Read Northwest’s state funding was eliminated. While this decision was made on paper, its real impact will be felt in exam rooms and family homes across Washington, ending a state partnership that helped deliver Reach Out and Read at nearly 3 million well-child visits over the last 14 years.
“Reach Out and Read clinicians don’t just hand out books, we use them to open doors,” said Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff, general pediatrician and Medical Director of Care Transformation at Pediatrics Northwest and medical director of Reach Out and Read Northwest. “We’re building trust with families, encouraging family bonding, and giving children the tools to thrive long before they set foot in a classroom. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of my practice.”
In FY24, 112,000 Washington children received well-child visits integrating the Reach Out and Read model, with 181,000 books being placed into the hands of young children and their families. These families are more likely to read together, setting the stage for language and learning, and building connections that can offset future adversity. What seems like a simple act — sharing a book during a well-child visit and talking to parents about the importance of reading — sets powerful changes in motion for children and their caregivers. That’s the power of prevention, and the impact Reach Out and Read is committed to protecting.
“This is a pivotal moment,” said Jessica Mortensen, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read Northwest. “But the Washington team, our partners and providers will keep supporting families with early literacy tools and guidance, every day, just as we do now. Washington families deserve the early literacy tools and guidance provided by these pediatric clinicians. Despite this setback, we’re pooling resources and thinking creatively to ensure this vital program continues.”
Reach Out and Read Northwest is grateful for your ongoing encouragement and commitment to the work we do. We’ll share more soon about how we can move forward — together.
A donation of $30 gives a child a full year of Reach Out and Read. Want to help? Donate at www.reachoutandreadwa.org.
About Reach Out and Read: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Reach Out and Read is the only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Reach Out and Read Northwest Affiliate serves children in 31 of 39 Washington counties through 232 clinics and with the expertise of 2,000 clinicians. Discover more at reachoutandread.org.