Celebrating 30 Years



Reach Out and Read celebrated its 30th Anniversary with our Next Chapter Forum and National Leadership Conference at the historic Boston Public Library from November 6-8, 2019. This important milestone gave us an opportunity to step back, celebrate the progress over the last three decades, and take an important look into the future of our work serving millions of children and families across the United States. As Reach Out and Read embarks on its next 30 years, the organization envisions a world where every child is read to every day, cuddled on the lap of someone who loves them.

The three-day event started with the Next Chapter Forum, an opportunity to bring together leaders in early childhood development for a rich conversation about maximizing the potential of pediatric primary care to promote the positive language-rich parent-child interactions that are critical for a strong foundation during a child’s early years of life. The Leadership Conference followed with our organization’s affiliate network leaders from around the country participating in lively discussions around best practices in promoting the benefits of reading aloud through pediatric primary care.

The following Reach Out and Read award recipients were honored:
Gretchen Hunsberger Award Medical Champion Award: Marny Dunlap MD
Richard Robinson Award: Center for the Urban Child at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, with special mention to Hans Kersten MD

Wyntress Smith Award: Gail Phillips
Wyntress Smith Award: Brenna Melo

We are grateful to our partners, medical leadership and affiliates around the country for joining us in the city where it all began. Stay tuned for exciting updates for the Next Chapter and beyond.