Tri-Town Community Action Agency Health Center hosted a story time event for local children at its North Providence location on May 25.

In collaboration with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and Reach Out and Read Rhode Island, the story time event focused on the importance of literacy for young children.

“Reading to our children is a small task that has a huge impact on their social and emotional development,” said Tri-Town President and CEO Joseph DeSantis. “We are proud to partner with Reach Out and Read Rhode Island to continue to ensure we get books in the hands of the youngest members of the community.”

Children in attendance were greeted by NHPRI’s “Dr. Care Bear” mascot, and listened to several classic stories read by representatives from NHPRI, Reach Out and Read RI, and Tri-Town Health Center Medical Director Dr. Matt Malek.

“Young children get so many advantages from having books read to them,” explained Malek. “Language and communication development, logical thinking skills and parent/child bonding all improve when adults read to their kids.”

Tri-Town Community Health Centers have been a supporter of the Reach Out and Read RI program for several years, and offer children a book to take home at their annual well child exams.

“We were honored to host an event like this in collaboration with our partner organizations who share in our commitment to promote literacy, child health and wellness, and family engagement,” said Tri-Town Chief Operating Officer Brenda Dowlatshahi. “Their support of community health centers such as Tri-Town enables us to provide exceptional, affordable care to those who otherwise may not have access to quality care.”

WPRI’s “The Rhode Show” filmed the event for a segment shown on June 1. Each child received a book and bookmark to take home after the event.

“Story Time at Tri-Town achieved exactly what we were hoping for,” said Brenda Whittle, vice president for external affairs at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. “It was a wonderful collaboration among three partners who understand and appreciate how crucial it is to encourage literacy in children as well as to promote that special time when a parent and a child can share a book.”

Tri-Town Health Centers, located at 1126 Hartford Ave., Johnston, and 33 Maple Ave., North Providence, are currently accepting new patients. All insurance plans are accepted, and same-day appointments are available. For more information or to make an appointment at either of the Tri-Town Health Centers, call 401-519-1940 or visit tri-town.org