No matter their political persuasion, children's doctors cannot escape the tremendous stress faced by so many families right now. Pediatric practice is the front line, the barometer of what's happening in the lives of children and families. And while "the flu" has filled doctors' schedules for months, many visits have been focused on stress related to racism, religious discrimination, and fear of deportation. This started in the fall, and is becoming more frantic every day. Families are suffering, and they are confiding in their children's doctors.

We know this because Reach Out and Read doctors across the state are telling us. After we shared Helping children process the election through books in November, a pediatrician in Southwest Washington asked for specific tips for families asking what to do when blatantly racist remarks were expressed in front of their young children. A doctor who cares for many Muslim families is double-booked with families wanting to talk about their fears. Providers serving Latino families note that heightened uncertainty is worsening already stressful living situations. These doctors all have long-term commitments to serving diverse families, including immigrants and refugees. Yet the level of distress expressed by families is reflected in palpable anxiety among medical providers about their inability to offer simple solutions in an unprecedented climate.

The heartbreaking story about a 5-year-old with PTSD described below is just one example. And it highlights another important fact--that fear may keep families under immense stress from accessing services that can mitigate toxic stress, and help promote early childhood development.

This context is an important reminder of why Reach Out and Read is a critical support for families, particularly in clinics where many marginalized populations receive medical care.  It is more important than ever to help families pause, cuddle with their children, and focus together on interacting with a children's book. Children's brains and bodies are too often being bathed in stress hormones, but the book can calm the parent, engage the child, and enable positive things to happen even in the worst circumstances. Babies brains can't wait. We must continue to support parents, and provide children with books, even as society tries to address the huge uncertainties in front of us.  

Due to increasing demand that has outpaced resources, many doctors will not have the books they need when families come in the door, unless more funding is secured for Reach Out and Read. Please help doctors continue to support families across the state by urging your legislators to support increased funding for Reach Out and Read in the state budget. A tiny investment of just $5 per child will make a world of difference for families.