Deaconess will celebrate National Reading Day, which is Wednesday, January 23, with a special story time from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Eastland Mall in the children’s play area. Stories will be read by Linda White, president and CEO of Deaconess Health System, and Kristin Kilgour, NP, with Deaconess Clinic – Gateway Pediatrics. This free event is made possible by Reach Out and Read. Participants will also have the opportunity to make a book mark after the story time.

Deaconess Clinic – Mary Street, Deaconess Clinic –Gateway Pediatrics and Deaconess Family Practice have each been awarded a $3,000 grant to promote literacy by providing books to children through Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting early literacy. At each well-child visit, a physician gives an age-appropriate book to the child. The physician then discusses with the parent/guardian the importance of reading to the child. Deaconess has been a partner with Reach Out and Read since 2007.