Aspire Bad Axe Primary Care & Pediatrics is proud to announce it has officially been approved as a Reach Out and Read site, bringing a nationally recognized early literacy program to families in Huron County.
As part of the program, children from birth through age 5 will receive a new, age-appropriate book at each well-child visit. Providers will also offer guidance to parents and caregivers on the importance of reading aloud and engaging in language-rich activities at home.
Reach Out and Read is the only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The program is integrated directly into pediatric well visits and leverages the trusted voice of medical providers to promote early literacy, healthy brain development, and strong parent-child bonds.
Research shows that shared reading beginning at birth supports language development and helps prepare children for school success. More than 80 percent of a child’s brain develops during the first three years of life, making early interactions—including reading together—critical to lifelong learning and well-being.
“We are excited to offer Reach Out and Read to the families we serve,” said Dr. Kathleen Rochefort, Pediatrician. “Providing books during well visits allows us to support not only a child’s physical health, but also their cognitive and emotional development. Reading together is one of the most powerful tools parents have to help their children thrive.”
Participating providers include Dr. Kathleen Rochefort, Dr. Henry Kozdron, and Dr. Jamie Kozdron. Aspire Bad Axe Primary Care & Pediatrics is currently the only medical office in Huron County offering the Reach Out and Read program.
Reach Out and Read is delivered by more than 39,000 medical providers nationwide and operates in every state. Through partnerships with clinicians, the program expands access to literacy support and helps ensure every child has the foundation for lifelong success.
Bad Axe Family Practice & Pediatric Clinic is located at 684 N. Port Crescent, Bad Axe, MI. For more information or to schedule a well-child visit, call 989-912-6575.
To learn more about Reach Out and Read, visit www.reachoutandreadmi.org or www.reachoutandread.org.
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Pictured Front Row L to R: Dr. Kathleen Rochefort, Emily Winkel-Fritz. Back Row L to R: CMA, Dr. Henry Kozdron, Dr. Jamie Kozdron, Alyssa Wilson, CMA, and Deziree Mazure, CMA.