Imagine this, you go to your medical provider and your child gets a prescription to read.  That’s exactly what’s happening in the Roanoke-Chowan area.  

Ahoskie Comprehensive Care, Murfreesboro Primary Care, and Creswell Primary Care have just been celebrated as high-quality programs for Reach Out and Read (ROR). That means our providers and other medical professionals incorporate ROR's evidence-based model with a high degree of fidelity during regular pediatric checkups (birth - 5 years), by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. They are essentially providing families with "prescriptions to read." The intervention serves as a tool for providers and gives an opportunity to build on teachable moments with parents that will benefit their children for a lifetime.

RCCHC literacy efforts, led by Student Wellness Center Director Catherine Parker, don't end there. Our clinics also have Little Free Libraries: a "take a book, return a book" free book exchange. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Our LFLs were built by a local Eagle Scout and painted by local artists in the style of their favorite children's books.

Additionally, this August marked the opening of the Story Book Trail, spearheaded by RCCHC interns, Lindsey Stallings, Dacia Peele and Zach Wise. The Story Book Trail runs along the P.A.W. Path, beginning at the entrance by Ahoskie Comprehensive Care and the ECU Dental School. Walkers can now enjoy stops with pages from children's storybooks posted, allowing families to follow the trail and read the story as they go. The book will change periodically, so you will always have something new to read!

If you are interested in Reach Out and Read, contact our program lead Deneen Robbins at Ahoskie Comprehensive Care (252) 332-3548. For other literacy efforts, contact Catherine Parker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..