Subcommittee advances bill to expand Reach Out and Read to underserved clinics

Delegate Dahlia Downey presented HB 525, which would direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to initiate expansion of the Reach Out and Read program—an early-literacy program that provides a book to children at well visits from birth to age 5—to clinics serving underserved communities.

Downey described the program’s benefits, including increased reading with children and improved developmental tracking, and said clinics around the Commonwealth are on waiting lists because of lack of funding. "By providing books at primary care appointments, pediatricians promote early literacy and parental bonding," she said.

Supporters included a Richmond-area pediatrician and Delegate Cohen, who noted clinics in her district are waiting to join the program. The subcommittee voted unanimously, 6–0, to report and refer HB 525 to Appropriations.

The referral moves the expansion plan to Appropriations so funding streams and implementation details can be evaluated.