NEW ORLEANS - On March 2, 2010, from 11am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm, Ochsner's pediatric patients will join the nationwide celebration Read Across America Day, with a visit from a local celebrity disguised as the Cat in the Hat. This year marks the 9th annual National Education Association event celebrating a childhood classic's birthday, Dr. Seuss, who was born on March 2, 1904.
WHO: Ochsner Medical Center for Children
WHAT: Read Across America Celebration & Visit form the Cat in the Hat
WHEN: March 2, 11am-12pm in the Pediatric Hospital Unit and 1pm-3pm in the Pediatric Clinic
WHERE: Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway (11am-12pm) and Ochsner for Children, 1315 Jefferson Highway (1pm-3pm)
WHY: To showcase the joy of books and encourage reading
"We're excited to celebrate Read Across America Day to show children the joy of books. Ochsner is a strong proponent of reading; whether it's to an infant or encouraging school-aged children to enjoy such classics from Dr. Seuss," explains Pediatrician Dr. Daniel Bronfin, Ochsner Medical Center for Children.
Bronfin goes on to say, "We're particularly excited to welcome New Orleans journalist Chris Rose to serve as our official Cat in the Hat. Chris' ingenious take on New Orleans life, and his remarkable talent in putting pen to prose, makes him the perfect Cat for our event."
More than than 45 million readers, both young and old, are expected to pick up a book on March 2, and read. To honor the good doctor Seuss, and celebrate the fun and value of reading, Ochsner joins a nation of readers together under one hat (the red and white stovepipe made famous by the Cat in the Hat) for a flurry (or furry) of reading excitement!
Ochsner for Children hopes to distribute 18,000 books at well-child clinic visits in the coming year, as part of its participation in Reach Out and Read, a national child literacy program directed by pediatricians.
For more information on NEA's Read Across America event, visit www.nea.org/readacross. The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.
Subscribe to the Ochsner Health System News RSS Feed
