Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt visited the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine and Children’s of Alabama for the 2024 NICU Bookworm Day to promote early reading on August 19, 2024.

Bookworm Day is an initiative created by UAB and Children’s of Alabama to encourage parents to begin reading to their children as soon as they are born. Senator Britt read to babies in UAB Women & Infants Center’s Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) and Continuing Care Nursery (CCN), as well as the NICU at Children’s of Alabama Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children.

“I want every child to have the opportunity to live their American Dream, and early brain development is a key part of ensuring that is possible because it sets a foundation for a child’s future,” said Senator Britt. “UAB and Children’s Bookworm Day is an important initiative that shows parents just how vital it is to read to their babies from an early age. I read to my kids throughout their early years, and, today, I was able to read to precious babies receiving life-saving care in the NICUs at UAB Hospital and Children’s of Alabama. I am grateful to the medical professionals who are taking care of these babies day-in and day-out not just through medicine, but through initiatives like Bookworm Day. I was proud to play a small part in this program, and I hope it shows all parents they can and should incorporate reading to their babies and their kids into their everyday routines.”

“Numerous studies show that early literacy is critical for a child’s development and is a strong predictor of life success. However, many parents are not aware of the benefits of early reading. The NICU Bookworms program at UAB and Children’s of Alabama aims to enhance parent-baby bonding, increase exposure to words through books, and highlight the importance of early reading. We appreciate Sen. Britt visiting to highlight our efforts in investing in this initiative for our patients and families,” said Viral Jain, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology at UAB and Children’s of Alabama.

UAB and Children’s launched Bookworm Day in 2021 with the goal of promoting early reading among infants. Research indicates newborns’ brains benefit from early reading activities. The NICU was chosen as an initial focus due to the extended periods many infants spend there receiving lifesaving care. To address potential learning deficits during this time, UAB and Children’s started this program which has since expanded with a book vending machine where parents can use tokens earned through parent-infant activities and education programs.

Photos from the event can be downloaded here.