Maui Hospital Staff Participates in Read Across America

Karey Kapoi, MMMC Administrative Services Officer reminds kids of the three things to remember to stay healthy. Photo courtesy HHSC Maui Region.

By Maui Now Staff

Physicians, nurses, staff and management from Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula Hospital on Maui joined in celebrating Read Across America at island schools this week.

The team of 36 individuals visited 40 classrooms at six Maui schools on Monday as part of the national effort “to advance student achievement and invest in public education,” said Carol Clark with the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation Maui Region.

Read Across America was established by the National Education Association Foundation and is held annually during the first week of March in conjunction with the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss.

It is part of an effort to prepare children to “learn and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Clark.

Leslie Lexier, RN, quality specialist reads to the class for Read Across America. Photo courtesy HHSC Maui Region.

“This is our second year participating in the program and it is truly rewarding,” said HHSC Maui Region Chief Executive Officer Wesley Lo in a press release.

“Not only do we get our medical staff out to the schools for some fun reading, we share tips for staying healthy through eating right and turning off the computer or TV to get out and play, while stressing the importance of doing well in school,” he said.

A total of 881 students received a reading certificate for their participation.

Maui Memorial Medical Center also contributed a Dr. Seuss book to each of the classes they visited.