{"id":39441,"date":"2013-12-12T12:00:24","date_gmt":"2013-12-12T17:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=39441"},"modified":"2020-12-26T18:10:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-26T23:10:53","slug":"united-way-partners-parkview-health-pnc-lets-talk-initiative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2013\/12\/12\/united-way-partners-parkview-health-pnc-lets-talk-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"United Way Partners with Parkview Health and PNC for Let’s Talk Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"United<\/p>\n

News release from the United Way of Allen County:<\/p>\n

United Way Partners with Parkview Health and PNC for Let’s Talk Initiative<\/strong>
\nNew parents given packages to help teach their babies<\/em><\/p>\n

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(December 10, 2013) \u00e2\u20ac\u201d United Way of Allen County today announced the launch of a new education initiative in partnership with Parkview Health and PNC Bank. The “Let’s Talk” initiative provides resources and guidance to parents, which helps them better connect with their children.<\/p>\n

Research shows that foundations of lifelong health are built in early childhood. By simply talking with or reading to their children, parents can improve their child’s brain development, school readiness and overall learning capacity. Studies indicate achievement gaps can begin as early as age 9 months.<\/p>\n

“Young children are born learning; they drink up all of the attention, love and knowledge that you give them,” said Jeanne Zehr, director of community impact, United Way of Allen County. “Talking to your baby can help them grow an amazing mind.”<\/p>\n

“By implementing the Let’s Talk initiative in Allen County, we will strive to improve brain development and outcomes in young children,” said Patti Brahe, senior vice president, women’s and children’s services, Parkview Health. “Not only do we want to give as many children as possible the chance for success as they grow, but we want to give parents the support they need as they raise their children.”<\/p>\n

The program will be implemented at Parkview Family Birthing Centers in Allen County. New parents will receive a package of educational materials including a board book and more. The items will be assembled by volunteers from Lamplight Communities. The materials will cover resources in the community for infants and toddlers as well as suggestions for parents on how they can interact with their children to help them learn and grow.<\/p>\n

Suggestions for parents include:<\/p>\n