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The Wright Center for Community Health, the Lackawanna County commissioners and the county Department of Human Services will relaunch the Reach Out and Read program, under the direction of the Wright Center’s Dr. Manju Thomas, and Sandie Lamanna, chairwoman of the county Literacy Committee.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m., the sponsors will reintroduce the program in an event in the Wright Center auditorium, 501 S. Washington Ave.

Research has shown that reading is not just one of the most important skills for a successful life, but an important factor in children’s health as they grow. Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit national program that distributes books to children during their regular pediatric visits.

The formal local relaunch of the program will enable local advocates to order books for free for distribution by local pediatricians.

Reach Out and Read’s local goals are to develop an awareness of the reading crisis in America, recognize the need for an urgent response, and establish a specific plan for local pediatricians to participate.