Following the launch of the statewide Affiliate in July 2026, Reach Out and Read Pennsylvania is building on nearly 30 years of work in the state to bring books and early literacy guidance to more families through trusted pediatric relationships. The expansion aims to extend the program’s reach into additional communities, including rural and underserved areas.
From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and Northeastern Pennsylvania, local and regional coverage has explored how clinicians are using well-child visits to encourage shared reading and help families support their children’s development.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Reading program grounded in well-child visits aims to get more books in the hands of Pa. kids
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette examines Reach Out and Read Pennsylvania’s longstanding presence in pediatric care and its plans to expand access to books and early literacy resources across the Commonwealth.
PHL17: Non-profit Turning Pediatric Checkups Into Reading Opportunities
Reach Out and Read Pennsylvania Executive Director Steve Wilmot and Dr. Trude Haecker, Medical Director at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, joined PHL17 to discuss how shared reading supports language development, early learning, and the relationships between young children and their caregivers.
Times Leader: Reach Out and Read Pennsylvania seeks to expand to more counties, including in NEPA
The Times Leader explores plans to bring Reach Out and Read to additional counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania, highlighting how books and clinician guidance can help families build early literacy habits and meaningful connections at home.
The Philadelphia Inquirer: To boost literacy, pediatricians are prescribing books to children
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on the challenges facing young children entering kindergarten and how Reach Out and Read Pennsylvania is working to address early literacy needs by integrating books and guidance into routine pediatric visits.
WHYY speaks with Dr. Trude Haecker about the Affiliate’s expansion, including opportunities to train additional clinicians and reach more families in rural communities with resources that support early brain development and shared reading.