Reach Out and Read® (ROR) trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty.  By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, ROR helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.

Our Mission
ROR makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading. Reach Out and Read® trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read® helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in school.

Making an Impact in Colorado
Reach Out and Read® Colorado (ROR CO) is part of the nationwide Reach Out and Read® program and is the statewide Coalition of Colorado’s ROR Sites.  The over 125 participating clinics in 42 counties distribute 135,000 books to 81,000 children annually.  Over 650 medical providers have been trained in the ROR Model and over 50 volunteers read aloud to children in waiting rooms statewide.  Currently, Colorado’s ROR programs reach 51% of the state’s children living in poverty. Learn more about Rocky Ford, Colorado's First Bookend City.