A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid NCDHHS Receives Approval to Expand Reach Out and Read Through New Medicaid Initiative

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently received approval to use federal matching funds to expand services for Reach Out and Read, the evidence-based childhood brain development intervention initiative. This partnership with Reach Out and Read is one of the first in the country among Medicaid programs. 

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based intervention that partners with pediatric primary care locations to deliver training for medical providers, literacy tools for families and to encourage healthy routines and relationships through shared stories. In every well-visit, children and families receive a “prescription for reading” with new, developmentally appropriate books to help grow children’s home libraries.  

Research shows that children who participate in this program have improved literacy and language comprehension and clinics have improved patient-clinician relationships and well-child visit attendance.  

For more information: 

• Early Childhood Action Plan 
• Reach Out and Read Carolinas 
• NCDHHS press release