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Amerigroup Tennessee, a leading managed care provider, and Friends of Literacy are joining forces to support low-income children and families across East Tennessee with literacy support and resources through an innovative collaboration with patients at Cherokee Health Systems.

The “Mommy & Me” and “Brush, Book, Bed” programs will help adults and children gain the literacy skills needed to achieve their goals and decrease disparities between low-income children and those from more affluent homes.

The “Mommy & Me” program will provide expectant mothers and families with an early literacy kit one month before their due date which will include four board books (bilingual options available), two educational toys, tips for parents on how to engage their children with books and toys, child story time schedule at Knox County Public Library locations, as well as childhood vaccination information including a vaccine record card. On average, more than 400 prenatal patients are served per year at the participating Cherokee Health System locations.

At each well-child visit from 6 months to 5 years, parents will receive a dental hygiene kit and a new age-appropriate book through the “Brush, Book, Bed” program. The kit will also include parent tips on healthy lifestyle habits for their children including oral hygiene, resources to be reading coaches for their children and beneficial sleep behaviors and routines. On average, more than 6,000 well-child visits are conducted per year at the participating Cherokee Health System locations.

“Friends of Literacy appreciates the outgoing support we receive from Amerigroup,” said Friends of Literacy Executive Director Teresa Brittain. “Together, we are working to foster healthy habits, starting at birth, that have lifelong impacts for low-income children and their families in East Tennessee.”

Research has proven that lack of books in the home is the greatest barrier to children’s reading proficiency. Studies show that parental involvement is the top predictor of literacy and academic success.

“These unique programs strive to foster healthy relationships and self-confidence in children paving a path for healthy behaviors,” said Madeline Mays, Amerigroup Tennessee Community Outreach Manager. “Young children and families will be able to bond through reading which is critical for building healthy relationships and social-emotional development. Amerigroup is proud to support Friends of Literacy to promote healthier communities across East Tennessee.”

This collaboration is especially important as some children in East Tennessee continue to face childhood literacy challenges. Amerigroup’s funding commitment will provide impactful resources and experiences for strengthening the child-caregiver relationship.