Blog Post | October 2025
The 2025 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K brought together runners from across the city, but the spirit of the day shone brightest through the Pediatric Student Association (PSA) at McGovern Medical School. More than 100 students strong, PSA is dedicated to serving Houston‑area children and families—and this year, many of its members chose to run in support of Reach Out and Read Texas, reaffirming their commitment to child health both inside and beyond the clinic.
Reach Out and Read Texas, part of the Children’s Learning Institute at UTHealth Houston, is a national pediatric literacy program that helps families build meaningful moments through reading, storytelling, and shared routines. During every well‑child checkup from 6 months to 5 years old, UT Physicians pediatric patients receive a brand‑new, age‑appropriate book to take home—available in multiple languages. “We are delighted for this recognition and support of families served by UTHealth Houston,” shared Jocelyn McConnell, MEd, the program’s director, highlighting how these early literacy experiences strengthen caregiver‑child bonds.
As a returning beneficiary of the race’s charitable giving program, Reach Out and Read Texas was again featured on the Houston Half Marathon & 10K website through UTHealth Houston’s title sponsorship. The university’s continuing involvement with the event underscores a shared commitment to promoting wellness, celebrating community engagement, and supporting programs that enrich the lives of Houston families.
This year’s renewed partnership with the race organizers also reflects a broader emphasis on expanding a culture of health and physical activity across Greater Houston. The event continues to serve as a major fall tradition, welcoming thousands of runners and showcasing the community‑focused mission of organizations and volunteers who come together each year.
From volunteering in the community to pursuing careers devoted to pediatrics, PSA students demonstrate every day what it means to care for children and families. Their participation in this year’s race shows that commitment in motion—step by step, mile by mile—helping ensure more young children across Texas grow up with the books, routines, and meaningful connections that set the foundation for lifelong learning.
This summer, I had the privilege of participating in a preceptorship program at the UT Physicians Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, where I learned about Reach Out and Read. Coming from a family of public school educators and with my own passion for children’s health and development, I was so thrilled to learn about this evidence-based program that promotes literacy in children. I am raising funds for Reach Out and Read with fellow members of the Pediatric Student Association at McGovern. It has been a meaningful experience mobilizing a group of passionate individuals to invest in our community and knowing that we can leverage our time and energy to do good, even while we are still learners.Sallianne Roher, MD Candidate, Class of 2028