NC S543

Appropriates $1,500,000 recurring annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education for the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium

Funds are allocated to Reach Out and Read Carolinas, an evidence-based nonprofit that works through primary care providers to promote language-rich interactions between parents and young children

Program aims to stimulate early brain development and establish healthy relationships and routines in families

Reach Out and Read Carolinas must match state funds with $1,500,000 in private funds and in-kind contributions

Effective date is July 1, 2019