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A new reading program at Eskenazi Health connects new parents with resources to help make literacy a key component in the home.

The First Lady of Indianapolis, Steph Hogsett, and Eskenazi Health partnered together to launch a new reading program in honor of National Family Literacy Month (November) called “Creating Curious Minds.” This free program provides families with three new culturally diverse books for every baby born at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital: A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni, the Spanish-English bilingual edition; First 100 Words by Roger Priddy; and Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee.

“There are so many benefits for both parents and children when reading is introduced early, and we’re proud to offer this fantastic new program for parents and their children beginning their lives together at Eskenazi Health,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Ferries-Rowe, the obstetrics and gynecology service chief at Eskenazi Health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents who spend time reading to their children create nurturing relationships and support their child’s cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional development.

“I’m thrilled to work together with Eskenazi Health in developing this wonderful new reading program for parents and their young children,” said Hogsett. “As a mom myself, I know this effort will help parents connect with the resources and tools that contribute to a lifetime of learning for their children and help develop them into healthy, happy, and incredibly curious individuals.”

In addition to the books, the program also gives families a reusable bag for carrying books, a card from Hogsett, facts about the importance of reading, a coupon for the local bookstore, and information on how to obtain a library card. Matthew R. Gutwein, the president and chief executive officer of Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, commented, “To have a program that encourages and supports family reading and that promotes a love of books is very special. We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Hogsett and Creating Curious Minds into the Eskenazi Health family.”

BookPal is always amazed by the programs our clients coordinate to promote literacy, encourage learning, and strengthen relationships. We are proud to support Eskenazi Health’s enriching program. Thank you for sharing your story, Tamara and Todd!

What are you doing with your books? We love hearing about the amazing things our clients are doing! Leave a comment below to share your story.

This post was written by Elizabeth Lee, the marketing associate at BookPal. She is currently reading Onward by Howard Schultz and The Evil Hours by David J. Morris.