Greenwich Hospital recently partnered with Read to Grow to help new parents promote reading from birth.
Greenwich Hospital recently announced a new partnership with Read to Grow and its Newborn Literacy Project, which provides early literacy resources for families from the very start of life.
Families welcoming a baby at Greenwich Hospital will now receive a newborn book packet and be invited to enroll in Read to Grow’s First Year Project, which provides additional books and literacy support at key developmental milestones, including three months and one year.
“Greenwich Hospital is committed to supporting families from their very first moments together,” said Bob Blenderman, PA, president, Greenwich Hospital. “Our partnership with Read to Grow strengthens that mission. I’m especially proud of our amazing maternity team, whose compassion and expertise make these meaningful connections possible. Together, we’re helping every baby born at the hospital begin life with the tools to learn, grow and thrive.”
At a launch ceremony to mark the partnership, Blenderman joined Kirsten Lawrence, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Greenwich Hospital, and associate professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine (YSM), and Suzannah Holsenbeck, executive director of Read to Grow. The Read to Grow Bookmobile was on site, providing free children’s books to those in attendance.
“Reading brings understanding and empathy,” Dr. Lawrence said. “It opens our minds and our hearts to other people and different languages and worlds. We know about empathy and compassion at Greenwich Hospital because that is what we live every day. This will help extend our relationships with the families we help here.”
Read to Grow works closely with hospital medical teams, offering training for nurses and other healthcare professionals on the importance of reading, singing and talking to newborns. Trained healthcare providers work directly with families in the hospital, sharing simple, practical strategies that empower parents and caregivers to become their child’s first teacher from day one.
“We are excited to bring the Newborn Literacy Project to another outstanding hospital and community,” said Holsenbeck. “By partnering with trusted healthcare providers to connect families with books and guidance from day one, we are building strong foundations for learning, bonding and healthy development. In Connecticut, every new family should be given these vital tools to become their child’s first teacher.”
