Agora Announces RTE Telehealth, A Webinar Exploring the Impact of AI and AR/VR in Virtual Healthcare

Bengaluru, India —17th November 2023: — Agora, Inc. (NASDAQ: API), a pioneer and leading platform for real-time engagement APIs, has announced its RTE Telehealth webinar event, designed to help healthcare professionals chart the course toward a future where state-of-the-art technologies will transform the way we deliver and receive healthcare and drive better patient outcomes. The virtual event will examine how augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming telehealth, highlighting their potential to enhance the entire healthcare experience from research, training and general workflows to diagnosis, treatment, and patient education.

The telemedicine market is projected to grow to $450 billion by 2032. As telemedicine breaks down geographical barriers and makes healthcare more inclusive, it’s expected to become an integral component of the medical industry, signaling a paradigm shift in how medical services are delivered and experienced. Integrating AR/VR and AI holds tremendous potential to revolutionize the telehealth industry, transforming medical training, patient diagnosis and education, and enabling greater personalization and collaboration through data-powered insights and highly immersive simulated environments.

“The integration of AI and AR/VR into telehealth is not just an upgrade—it’s a breakthrough,” said Wyatt Oren, Director of Telehealth at Agora. “These advancements promise to redefine accessibility and efficacy in healthcare, paving the way for a future where distance and resources are no longer barriers to quality patient care, offering unprecedented accessibility and creating immersive training platforms for medical professionals. With AR and VR expanding access and enriching training, and AI enhancing doctor-patient connections in real-time, we’re witnessing a new age of medical collaboration and innovation.”

RTE Telehealth will unpack how AI’s data-driven insights and the immersive capabilities of AR/VR have advanced the industry through two informative sessions. AR/VR in Telehealth will discuss AR/VR’s role in offering engaging patient education, remote surgical assistance, and improving care delivery, while AI in Telehealth will address the cost-effectiveness and accuracy of AI applications in virtual consultations, transcription, translation, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).

Lending their expertise to the series is a panel of distinguished speakers, including:

  • Pearly Chen, Vice President, HTC VIVE
  • Gil Margolin, Chief Technology Officer, Talkspace
  • Christopher Brickler, CEO at MyndVR
  • Chris Mathew, Chief Growth Officer at Sniffle
  • Chris Olson, Strategic Advisor, Canary Speech
  • Daniel Andreev, Co-Founder and CPO, PsyTech VR
  • Wyatt Oren, Director of Telehealth at Agora
  • Max Randall, Account Executive at Agora

Through their collective insights, speakers will clarify the roles of AI and AR/VR in telehealth, highlighting the technological nuances and potential benefits of these innovations, thrusting healthcare delivery into a new era of accuracy and patient immersion. Together, these technologies are making top-tier care more accessible and cost-effective, and ensuring that it is delivered with unparalleled precision and performance.

Apollo Hospitals Celebrates 25 Years of India’s First Liver Transplant Program

Apollo Hospitals

 16th November 2023: Apollo, the world’s largest integrated healthcare provider, has been at the forefront of patient care in India and has led the organ transplant revolution in healthcare. Today the Apollo Hospitals Group celebrated the completion of 25 years of paediatric liver transplant program in India.

The Apollo Transplant program is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive transplant programs performing more than 1600 solid organ transplants a year. The program offers a host of state-of-the-art services which include Management of Liver Disease, Management of Kidney Disease, Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Heart and Lung Transplantation, Intestinal, Pancreas and GI Transplant Surgeries and Pediatric Transplant Services. With 90% success rates, The Apollo Liver Transplant program is a beacon of quality and hope for patients from across the world.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said “Liver disease remains a significant concern within the country, resulting in the annual loss of approximately 200,000 lives. Despite approximately 1,800 liver transplants conducted each year, the demand for this procedure reaches as high as 20,000 individuals at any given time. While India has made substantial progress since the inception of these operations, a considerable gap remains unaddressed. At Apollo, our dedication lies in ensuring that no individual succumbs due to a lack of access to transplantation. Our focus involves establishing top-tier transplant centres, led by esteemed clinicians. We are committed to extending our expertise to individuals worldwide seeking liver transplant services.”

Marking the occasion, Apollo Hospitals’ Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Anupam Sibal said, “Today is a significant milestone for Indian medical advancements. The liver transplant program at Apollo Institutes commenced 25 years ago, marking a pivotal moment in India’s medical landscape. This ground breaking initiative, coupled with the resilience shown by patients like Sanjay, has led the Apollo Institutes of Transplant to successfully carry out over 4300 liver transplants, including 515 procedures in children. I distinctly remember the day I first saw Sanjay, the hours spent in the ICU and today 25 years on, Dr Sanjay will soon be married. As his doctor, I cannot express the happiness and satisfaction I am feeling in words. Today we are able to perform the most challenging transplants including ABO incompatible and combined liver-kidney transplants. We are also operating on babies as small as 4 kgs.”

Highlighting the expertise developed at Apollo, Dr. Neerav Goyall, Sr. Consultant, Liver Transplants said, “Apollo’s liver transplant program has an exceptional success rate of 90%, a testament to our unyielding dedication to unparalleled patient care and clinical outcomes. This achievement not only represents our commitment to excellence but also serves as a beacon of hope for those confronting liver failure. We intend to further develop our program to help an even larger section of the population in the future. The success of our program reflects the tireless efforts, skill, and advancements in the field of liver transplants, solidifying our position as a leading institution offering renewed chances for a healthier life”.

Mr. Shivakumar Pattabhiraman, Managing Director of the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, said, India’s prominence in organ transplantation is on the rise. With a rich legacy spanning 25 years, we at Apollo celebrate a landmark achievement in liver transplantation, solidifying its position as a pioneering force in India’s medical domain. The institution stands as a beacon of exceptional care and ground breaking advancements, setting global standards in liver transplants. Our unwavering commitment to advancing liver transplantation and relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of medical science underscores a pledge to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.”

Noted Film Actress Ms Dimple Kapadia, who graced the function said, “In Dil Chahta Hai, my character Tara Jaiswal died because of a silent killer. Liver Cirrhosis.

As we go about our daily lives, we often neglect the importance of our liver, this unsung hero of our bodies. Our liver is a remarkable organ, tirelessly working to cleanse your blood, store energy, and produce essential proteins. It is the silent guardian that protects us from harmful toxins and keeps us healthy. But just like any other organ, it can be damaged, and when it is, the consequences can be devastating.

Liver cirrhosis leads to liver failure which took Tara’s life. At that point in time, Liver Transplantation wasn’t well-established in India. Today, Liver transplantation is a life-saving therapy saving lives every day. Liver Transplantation has given a new lease of life to Sanjay, the first child in India to receive a liver transplant, Prisha the 500th child transplanted at Apollo and hundreds of children and adults not just from India but from 50 countries across the world.

I would like to congratulate the Apollo Team and wish them the very best in their commitment to save lives”.

Additionally, Dr Sanjay Kandasamy said, “I am the first beneficiary of the Apollo Liver transplant program. My second chance at life and the excellent quality of life are a testament to the extraordinary expertise and precision of the medical marvels at Apollo. The success of liver transplantation reaffirms Apollo’s commitment to pioneering advancements, unrivaled medical acumen, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being. Today, I stand as an example to the triumph of medical ingenuity.”

Entrepreneurs Inspired by Shiv Khera at JCI Ranchi’s 26th Expo Utsav

26th Expo Utsav

New Delhi, 11th November 2023: The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ranchi’s 26th Expo Utsav was graced by internationally renowned business consultant and motivational speaker Shiv Khera. JCI Ranchi, a dynamic organization comprised of young entrepreneurs dedicated to the constructive development of Jharkhand and its citizens, hosted Mr. Khera as their keynote speaker for their Expo Utsav.

The event was held at Ranchi’s Morabadi Maidan, where entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders from Jharkhand and beyond gathered to discuss the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. With his knowledge and insights, the motivational speaker delivered a keynote speech on the subject of “Entrepreneurship Training.” His words struck a chord with the audience, motivating them to realize their potential and seize the chances and challenges presented by the world of entrepreneurship.

After speaking at JCI Ranchi, Mr. Khera went on to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi to inspire the audience. He presented a powerful keynote and motivational speech that left an impact on the directors, students, and faculty members present.

Apart from these occasions, Mr. Shiv Khera organized programs open to the public. Participants from across the globe gathered to partake in these transformative sessions:

1. Gain and Retain Customers: A dynamic program held from the 6th to the 8th of October at the Holiday Inn, focusing on customer acquisition and retention strategies in a competitive business landscape.

2. Hi-Impact Leadership Program: A comprehensive leadership development program held from October 12th to October 15th, designed to provide leaders with the skills and mindset required to drive impactful change within their organizations.

In the fields of motivation and entrepreneurship, Mr. Shiv Khera is in demand as a speaker and consultant, owing to his capacity to engage audiences and provide insightful, practical advice. His commitment to inspiring and equipping individuals with the tools for success has left a mark on his audience.

Yatharth Hospitals reports another quarter of stellar performance Q2 FY24 Revenue up 34% YoY and 11% QoQ

10th November 2023: : Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Ltd, one of the leading private super specialty hospitals in Delhi NCR, announced its financial results for the quarter ended Sep 30, 2023.


Financial Snapshot

 

Particulars (Rs mn) Q2 FY24 Q2 FY23 Change

YoY

Q1 FY24 Change

QoQ

H1 FY24 H1 FY23 Change

YoY

Revenue from Operations 1,713 1,279 34% 1,545 11% 3,258 2,390 36%
EBITDA 456 335 36% 414 10% 870 592 47%
EBITDA Margin 26.6% 26.2% 40bps 26.8% (20bps) 26.7% 24.8% 192bps
Profit after Tax (PAT) 276 162 70% 190 45% 466 272 71%
PAT Margin 16.1% 12.7% 345bps 12.3% 380bps 14.3% 11.4% 293bps

 Key Highlights for Q2 FY2024

  •  Operating Revenue is Rs. 1,713 mn, up 34% YoY and 11% QoQ
  • Bed occupancy is 57%, compared to 45% in Q2FY23 and 50% in Q1FY24
  • ARPOB is Rs. 27,561, up 5% YoY
  • EBITDA is Rs. 456 mn, up 36% YoY and 10% QoQ; EBITDA margin expanded by 40 bps YoY to 26.6%
  • PAT is Rs. 276 mn, up 70% YoY and 45% QoQ; PAT margin expanded by 345 bps YoY to 16.1%
  • Earnings per share stood at Rs. 3.80 during the quarter

Key Highlights for H1 FY2024

  •  Operating Revenue is Rs. 3,258 mn, up 36% YoY
  • Bed occupancy is 54%, compared to 42% in H1FY23
  • ARPOB is Rs. 27,833, up 6% YoY
  • EBITDA is Rs. 870 mn, up 47% YoY; EBITDA margin expanded by 192 bps YoY to 26.7%
  • PAT is Rs. 466 mn, up 71% YoY; PAT margin expanded by 293 bps YoY to 14.3%
  • Earnings per share stood at Rs. 6.42 during this period
  • Company turns net debt free; Net Cash as on September 30, 2023 is Rs. 3,109 mn
  • RoCE is 25%, while RoE is 19% during this period

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Yatharth Tyagi, Whole Time Director, Yatharth Hospitals said: We are delighted to announce another exceptional quarter of performance. Our revenue has experienced a remarkable 34% year-over-year growth, reaching Rs. 1,713 million, while our Profit After Tax (PAT) has surged by an impressive 70% compared to the same period last year. We are happy to announce that we have turned net debt-free during the quarter. Our ongoing commitment revolves around diversifying our range of medical specialties and introducing new ones across all our hospitals. We are well on track to offer robotic surgeries by the coming quarter and a comprehensive suite of oncology treatments by the fourth quarter of this fiscal year. We are also expanding our organ transplant and growing our medical tourism business, which is projected to drive substantial growth and contribute to an improvement in Average Revenue Per Occupied Bed (ARPOB) in the upcoming quarters.

Cybersecurity Startup BluSapphire Wins Big at Nasscom’s Emerge 50 Deep Tech Startup Awards 2023

Cybersecurity Startup

Hyderabad, 9th November 2023: BluSapphire Cyber Systems, a hyper-growth cybersecurity SaaS startup that is empowering businesses with holistic and innovative solutions, has ranked among the prestigious “League of 10” at the Emerge 50 Deep Tech Start-up Awards 2023. Their achievement was recognised at the Nasscom Future Forge 2023 event in Bengaluru.

Commenting on the win, Kiran Vangaveti, Founder and CEO of BluSapphire, said, “We’re excited to be named as winners alongside other innovative startups. We’re honoured that our deep tech innovation has gained recognition for its impact on the cybersecurity landscape. We thank the Nasscom team for this award. It is a validation of the potential that our full-stack AI and predictive analytics platform has for all types of industry verticals and work environments.”

The Emerge 50 Deep Tech Start-up Awards are one of India’s most esteemed awards, recognising and celebrating innovation within the realm of deep tech startups. Through this, Nasscom, the apex body for the Indian IT and BPM industries, recognises groundbreaking startups that are redefining the future of industries and societies worldwide.

The winners of the Emerge 50 Awards are selected through a vote by prominent figures in the startup and PE-VC industry, and the awards serve to honour the entire spectrum of innovation within deep tech startups, contributing to a brighter, more sustainable, and technologically advanced world.

BluSapphire, a Gartner Cool Vendor, has been recognised for its rapid automated cyber attack detection and response platform. It has reduced SOC (security operations centre) costs by up to 70%, delivering faster value realisation.

Founded in 2017 by Kiran Vangaveti, the hyper-growth cybersecurity SaaS platform aims to solve the industry gap in security operations and visibility space. The full-stack AI and predictive analytics platform enables clients to prevent sophisticated cyberattacks across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid work environments. BluSapphire aims to revolutionise the cybersecurity landscape for mid enterprises with cutting-edge cyber products that provide the same calibre of cybersecurity defence as employed by large enterprises.

Smiles Child Development Centre opened to address developmental disability, a neurological illness which is on the rise in children post covid

SANGETA RAJESH

Hyderabad, November 08, 2023…..Smiles Child Development Center opened in the city at Road No. 14, Banjara Hills on Wednesday to address the growing incidences of children developing autism-like symptoms due to poor social contact they went through during the COVID

The unique centre was inaugurated by Renuka B, MD of Butta Group and Founder of Meridian Educational Society and Seema Sikri, Associate Director of Hyderabad City Security Council.

Autism symptoms such as lack of eye contact, attention span, doing things repetitively, inattentiveness, delayed speech, no response to calling out their name, poor social contact, and addiction to mobile phones are seen in a significant number of children in the age group of up to 14 years and their number is on the rise said Sangeeta Rajesh, ISB alumni, the lady behind Smiles Child Development Center.

These symptoms can be reversed to normal behaviour after therapy, said Sangeeta Rajesh, Smiles Child Development Center. But Hyderabad the city which is known for the best healthcare infrastructure lacks amenities and needs counselling and therapy services, facilities required for treating autistic children and Autism look-a-like children.

The only second of its kind and the biggest (5000 sq ft) centre with all under service is set up at an investment of little over rupees two crore

The centre is the need of the hour as a significant percentage of the child population in the city in the age group of up to 14 years is developing autism-like symptoms, Sangeeta added.

Schools are unable to keep students, parents are caught off guard not knowing what to do.

Smiles Child Development Center once opened is the biggest in the city, making children school ready.

Smiles added massive infrastructure/facilities such as Therapy Balls (Peanut Balls etc.), a Trampoline, a Multi-Sensory Gym, Kids Toilet Training, a Home Suite, Occupational Therapy Equipment, Balancing Exercise Equipment, Monkey Bar, Multi Swing System, Floating Bridge etc. required to address the problem, Sangeeta said.

Autism is the world’s third most common developmental disability, a neurological illness. In the city, it is now emerging as a big health issue. Low awareness, lack of minimum required facilities and poor diagnosis, lack of well-trained professionals is a challenge, Sangeeta said.

Sangeeta Rajesh is an academician with rich experience in remedial instruction.

She earlier associated Euro Kids, Meridian School, DRS Kids, Educom Solutions and others. She established Smiles School at Himayatnagar about 15 years back to make special children and children with learning disabilities and made hundreds school-ready and are leading a happy life.

Sangeeta was a curriculum designer, trainer and consultant. She worked on reviving long-forgotten Indian traditional childhood games. She has over eight lakh followers on Facebook.

Diwali Celebrations and Sound Sleep: Ensure your child strikes the right balance

Festive season particularly Diwali brings joy, excitement, and a break from the daily routine. For children, these celebrations are a time of anticipation, with the promise of presents, sweet treats, and quality time with family and friends. However, the festivities often disrupt their regular sleep patterns, leaving parents concerned about maintaining their child’s well-being. This season of celebrations usually involves later bedtimes, irregular meals, and heightened excitement. These disruptions to a child’s daily routine can make it challenging to get the recommended amount of sleep, which is crucial for their physical and mental development. Therefore, it is important to balance festivities with sound sleep for children to achieve this delicate equilibrium, says Dr. Paras Kumar, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore.

Here are some tips for your child for a sound sleep amidst Diwali celebrations:

  • Create a calming Bedtime Routine: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities like reading, soft music, or a warm bath. This will signal to your child that it’s time to wind down for the day and prepare for sleep. Minimize noise and disturbances in your child’s sleeping area.
  • Communicate and Prepare: Talk to your child about the importance of sleep and the need for balance. Explain that sleep is essential for enjoying the festivities fully. While some flexibility is natural, maintaining consistency will help them get the sleep they require.
  •  Set an edge on Sugar and Caffeinated intakes: While there is no Diwali without sweets, it is highly recommended to limit its intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Parents should ensure to avoid serving sweets right before sleep to prevent a spike in energy and potential sleep disturbances.
  • Manage Excitement: Help your child manage their excitement by engaging in calming activities before bedtime. A short mindfulness exercise or deep breathing techniques can be effective.
  • Limit Screen Time: With the prevalence of electronic devices, children often spend more time on screens during festivals, which can disrupt their sleep due to the blue light emitted by screens. Therefore, setting a boundary on your kid’s screen time is essential for overall mental well-being
  • Dr. Paras

Diwali celebrations are an integral part of childhood, and they should be enjoyed to the fullest. However, striking a balance between merrymaking and maintaining a healthy sleep routine is vital for a child’s overall well-being. By implementing these tips, you can ensure that they have a joyous festive season while still getting the sound sleep they require for growth and development concludes Dr. Paras

Meril Receives Prestigious WIPO National Award for Innovation in Medical Devices

Bangalore,3rd November 2023: Meril Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, a global Indian medical devices company has been awarded the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) National Award for Inventors. The award, presented by the WIPO and the Indian Patent Office, is offered to organizations for inventions that are considered to be significant contributions to the economic and technological development of their countries. The award is a recognition of Meril’s notable work towards securing patents and commercialising them to boost manufacturing in India.

WIPO Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, underscored Meril’s dedication to devising innovative medical products that address previously unmet clinical needs.

Mr. Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril group of companies said, “Receiving the WIPO National Award is an honour for us. It acknowledges our commitment to excellence and our relentless pursuit of innovative solutions that make a tangible difference in healthcare. At Meril, we always strive to push the boundaries of innovation in the medical device industry,”

The WIPO National Award for Inventors was launched in 1979 to stimulate inventive and innovative activity around the world and to recognize the contribution of inventors to national wealth and development.

World-Class, Comprehensive Cancer Center Now Open in South Denver

Englewood, CO, Nov 02, 2023 , The Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute pavilion, a new destination for state-of-the-art cancer care, is now open on the campus of Swedish Medical Center. Home to our expansive oncology services through the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, the facility will house more than 20 practices, uniting our team of expert providers and support staff under one roof to provide the most effective, efficient collaborative patient care.

From imaging to interventions to rehab and recovery, our multidisciplinary team recognizes each diagnosis is unique and we are committed to developing custom-tailored treatment plans and guiding patients through each step using specially trained oncology nurse navigators.

Our physicians are leaders in their field when it comes to using the most advanced technology: Swedish Medical Center is proud to be the first hospital in the Rocky Mountain Region to offer single-port minimally invasive surgery. Patients also have access to clinical trials that are opening new treatment options and the support of an unparalleled network of researchers developing new drugs and therapies.

Patients facing a difficult diagnosis deserve the very best care and an expert team focused on treating the whole person, not just their cancer. At the new Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute pavilion at Swedish Medical Center, we’re proud to offer complete, coordinated and cutting-edge patient care to the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond.

About Swedish Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center is in the south metro Denver area where it has been a proud member of the community for more than 115 years. An acute care hospital with 408 licensed beds, Swedish cares for more than 200,000 patients annually, with a team of approximately 2,000 dedicated employees, 1,400 physicians and 300 volunteers.

As a national leader in neurosciences, Swedish serves as the hub of the Swedish Neuro Network. The hospital is the Rocky Mountain Region’s preeminent referral center for the most advanced stroke treatment and was the state’s first Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. Swedish also is home to Colorado’s first fully comprehensive robotics program with ten robots in dedicated robotics operating rooms; patients benefit from a high level of specialization with robotics-trained caregivers at every stage of treatment, as well as robotics-specific design in the program’s dedicated pre-op, ORs, PACU and inpatient spaces. As the region’s neurotrauma and orthopedic trauma provider and a level I trauma facility, more than 150 facilities regularly transfer highly complex cases to Swedish. The trauma program includes a burn and reconstructive center, which has been certified for adult burn care by the American Burn Association and recognized nationally for providing the highest quality of care to adult and pediatric burn and reconstructive patients.

Indian Health Service Provides Record Number of Free Books for Indigenous Families

BOSTON (2nd November 2023) – A generous grant will allow the national nonprofit Reach Out and Read to distribute tens of thousands of children’s books to medical clinics on tribal and native sites for an entire year. Nearly doubling past efforts, the Indian Health Service (IHS) has awarded Reach Out and Read $200,000 to purchase more than 31,000 high-quality, inclusive, diverse children’s books that represent and celebrate the lives of indigenous families. Books are distributed among 45 IHS clinics nationwide free of charge to families at well-child visits.

This ongoing partnership is key in addressing social injustice and health disparities for families in rural and Indigenous areas through Reach Out and Read’s work in the medical system. Reach Out and Read’s providers offer not only books but also guidance to parents/ caregivers about how shared reading with young children builds important family bonds.

“It’s always exciting to see a child’s face light up when they receive a book at their appointment and immediately engage to read with their families,” said Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal Child Health Consultant, IHS. “Thanks to Reach Out and Read, we have books available for families at IHS sites across the country, including Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and South Dakota.”

The collaboration with IHS is part of a larger initiative that aligns with Reach Out and Read’s vision to help underserved families in hard-to-reach locations. The nonprofit serves 212 tribal sites nationwide, including the 45 IHS sites that will benefit from this grant. Reach Out and Read works with publishers who specialize in Indigenous writers and illustrators so that children at tribal clinics can see themselves reflected in books that feature Indigenous characters and are written in half a dozen different Native languages.

“Children and families new to our clinic are always thrilled to learn that we are a Reach Out and Read provider,” said Dr. Jane Oski of Sacred Peaks Health Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. “Since we provide books in dominant tribal languages, such as Navajo and Hopi, families pass the word to other tribal members in the greater Northern Arizona region. Not only are families visiting the clinic to get that free book, they are now also ensuring that their child is getting up-to-date medical care like immunizations.”

Access to early literacy resources is only one part of what makes Reach Out and Read’s model a proven success. Children who are read to more often have improved language and listening skills, experience stronger emotional connections to their loved ones, and gain a lifelong love of reading. Reading with children creates moments that feel safe and secure, builds a lifelong bond between caregiver and child, and leads to better physical and emotional well-being.

A State of American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Families Report outlines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include aspects of a child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding. The data indicated American Indian/Alaska Native children experience a disparate number of ACEs, which link to poor physical, mental, and behavioral health outcomes.

In a 2021 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasized research showing that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships can be a protective buffer against the biological harms of ACEs on children. The statement — which recommends a public health framework that includes support of positive parenting styles, developmentally appropriate play, and shared reading — recognizes Reach Out and Read specifically.

During routine well-child visits from birth to five years old, Reach Out and Read clinicians not only give age-appropriate, culturally responsive books to families, but they also discuss with parents how to use those books to engage with their infants and young children. This approach strengthens parent-child relationships and mitigates those adverse childhood experiences while also promoting healthy brain development and furthering language acquisition.

“Reach Out and Read’s model works best when it is integrated into systems that support the child and the entire family, like the Indian Health Service,” said Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read. “What happens in the first few years creates the foundation of a child’s life. We’re excited to work with IHS and Indigenous families during those important first years, helping build strong relationships, supporting Native heritage, and increasing equity.”