Clinic Programs in 2025

• 114 Cook County Sites 
• 66 Sites Outside of Cook County
• 180 Total ROR Illinois sites (and rising!) 

Families Served by Reach Out & Read

• Over 180,000 new books were distributed during well-child visits, and families were encouraged to read aloud together daily.
• In 2024, 141,706 total well-child visits incorporated the Reach Out and Read Program and 60% families served have Medicaid/HMO Medicaid for insurance coverage.
• About 26,000 Spanish speaking families were served by Reach Out & Read Illinois

Why the Impact Matters

• Reading aloud builds loving parent-child routines and supports healthy brain development; yet, only 38% of families read to their baby every day in Illinois.
• 95% of the brain is formed in the first six years of life.
• Research shows that preschoolers with greater home reading exposure have higher activation of brain areas supporting mental imagery and narrative comprehension.
• Learn more about the program’s national impact.