Pilot program supports young patients’ literacy and health 

Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, has chosen Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital as a research pilot site for a Literacy is Health summer book fair program. The company recently donated 1,500 books for children in YNHCH’s inpatient units and Pediatric Specialty Center on WP 2. In July and August, each child may choose up to three free books to keep. Studies have shown that literacy fosters good health, and summer reading can keep children’s skills up during the break from school. Accepting the book donation were (l-r): Rob Wing, YNHCH Child Life supervisor; Tyler Mahoney, Child Life administrative assistant; Toni Crowell-Petrungaro, Child Life Program director; Scholastic’s driver; and Linda Mayes, MD, chair, Yale Child Study Center.