Hometown Heroes: Charlton Reads

When children go to Methodist Charlton Medical Center for a wellness exam, they talk about books and reading first.  The idea is to care for the child on a social and academic level, as well as medical.

Dr. Shaun Garff started "Charlton Reads" at the hospital in September 2015.  Each child gets a book and reads a bit of the book with a doctor before the wellness exam starts.  It reinforces the importance of books and reading while taking the focus off of being scared at the doctor's office.

On average, 45 books are given away each month.  The kids and parents love this and the medical staff does as well. Young patients look forward to their exam and are less anxious.

Reading to your child every day deepens your bond and helps them tremendously in school.

"Charlton Reads" gives a book to children who are newborn to 8 years old.  By the time they are 8, the hope is that they will have 15 books and will be strong readers with healthy bodies and bright futures.

Those who wish to donate new or gently used books for kids, newborn to 8 years old, call (214) 947-5400 or go to www.CharltonReads.com. Methodist Charlton Medical Center is at 3500 W. Wheatland Road in Dallas for those wishing to drop off their donations.