In 2002, Camarena Health launched a literacy program to promote early literacy to children between 6 months to 5 years old. The program, initially launched with funding from “Reach Out And Read” and “Reading is Fundamental,” continued to evolve over the years. In 2022, the program underwent significant transformation with guidance from Dr. Joel Ramirez and Pediatrician, Dr. Mireya Samaniego. The new program, “Let’s Read!”, focuses on three priorities: diversity and inclusion, healthy food and movement, and healthy emotional coping skills.
Benefits of our Let's Read! Program
- Promotes early childhood development and literacy
- Promotes literacy for parents
- Celebrates diversity and inclusion
- Promotes healthy habits for children
- Educates on healthy emotional coping skills
- Promotes a love of reading and learning
- Promotes bonding between parents and children
Children receive books at each wellness visit, with a total of 10 books by the time they are 5 years old. In the first year of the relaunched program, over 2,000 books were distributed at 5 health center sites. The program’s success caught the attention of the Madera County Superintendent of Schools, who supplied over 3,000 books through a grant to distribute to older kids. Camarena Health is proud to provide innovative and impactful programs like “Let’s Read!” to support the health and wellbeing of our community.
