Saint Mary’s Celebrates Launch of Statewide Newborn Literacy Project
September 28, 2026Categories: Events
On September 28, Saint Mary’s Hospital proudly partnered with Read to Grow to launch its Newborn Literacy Project in Waterbury. Through the Newborn Literacy Project, every family welcoming a newborn receives a comprehensive literacy packet. Packets include a free board book and resources encouraging parents and caregivers to read, talk, sing and share stories with their babies from day one.
Saint Mary's Hospital's Women and Infants Center and team were joined by hospital executive leadership, community leaders and the Read to Grow team to launch the Books for Babies program.
Read to Grow's Bookmobile stops by Saint Mary's Hospital to deliver children's books to families.
At noon, Saint Mary’s Hospital and community leaders, along with healthcare partners and literacy advocates, gathered at Waterbury City Hall for a press conference on the Newborn Literacy Project launch hosted by Mayor Paul Pernerewski. The press conference highlighted Saint Mary’s Hospital and UConn Health Waterbury Hospital for becoming the final two participating birthing hospitals bringing this project to families statewide.
“At Saint Mary’s Hospital, we believe early literacy is one of the strongest foundations for a child’s future,” said Shawna Edwards, RN, MSN, DNP, Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Mary’s Hospital.
During the event, Husnain Kermalli, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Nara Santana, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Manager of the Women and Infants Center, Saint Mary’s Hospital, spoke about the many benefits of reading to children and the positive impact it can have on both children and their parents or caregivers. “By placing books into the hands of new parents, we help foster a love of reading and give children the strongest possible start in life,” said Dr. Kermalli.
Adding to the celebration, a Read to Grow Bookmobile was parked outside the hospital, offering families free children’s books in English and Spanish. Two Saint Mary’s newborns, King and Arthur, also received literacy packets, with Arthur receiving a special copy of “Arthur’s Birthday” by Marc Brown to commemorate the occasion.