JACKSON – The neonatal intensive care unit at FMOL Health | St. Dominic recorded its highest participation ever in the international Babies with Books Read-A-Thon, with 1,416 books read over 10 days.
The event, held Sept. 14-24, brought together hospital staff, leaders, community volunteers and NICU families to read to babies receiving care at St. Dominic.
The hospital finished fourth among more than 250 participating hospitals worldwide.
St. Dominic’s NICU had an average daily census of seven babies during the event, amounting to an average of 202 books read per baby.
“This is a direct reflection of the love we have here at St. Dominic’s for our patients and their families,” said Emily Foster, NICU discharge coordinator and Read-A-Thon coordinator.
This year marked St. Dominic’s fourth year participating in the international event. The theme was “Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go.”
The Read-A-Thon is designed to encourage early literacy, strengthen family bonds and support infant development through reading.
Books used during the event were donated by Lela’s Library, a nonprofit founded in 2021 by Garrett and Alexis Grey in memory of their daughter, Lela Jo, who was once a patient in St. Dominic’s NICU.
Lela’s Library continues to donate books to the NICU throughout the year so each baby admitted can receive a book before going home.
“Programs like Babies with Books help create moments of comfort, connection and hope for families during their NICU journey,” Foster said.
