Local Author Carmen Noboa-Espinal Inspires Children and Families at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Event
Reach Out and Read session in Pediatric Clinic promotes literacy through family reading
Apr 26, 2024
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens and its Department of Pediatrics were delighted to welcome local author Carmen Noboa-Espinal for a special event focused on promoting children’s literacy through family reading. Carmen’s visit to the hospital served as an important reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on young minds.
Carmen Noboa-Espinal, a talented author known for her captivating storytelling in adult fiction and children’s literature, shared her enchanting children’s book Abuelita and the Magic Stove with children and families in the Pediatric Clinic waiting area. Through readings in both English and Spanish, Carmen captivated the audience with her narrative that celebrates the cherished values of love and family. Inspired by her personal experiences with influential women in her family, Carmen’s storytelling resonated with all those present, spreading joy and fostering a love for reading.
The event highlighted NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens’ commitment to promoting children’s literacy through various initiatives. The hospital’s 18-year partnership with the Reach Out and Read program and participation in New York City’s Pediatric Bundle Initiative showcases their dedication to enhancing early childhood development through literacy programs. Reach Out and Read encourages parents to read to their children regularly, while the Pediatric Bundle Initiative focuses on comprehensive care for pediatric patients, such as HealthySteps, developmental screening, maternal depression screening, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.
Marcy Stein-Albert, MD, Director of Pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, expressed that “Programs like Reach Out and Read and the Pediatric Bundle Initiative play a vital role in our efforts to promote children’s literacy and support their overall well-being. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a culture of reading and provide holistic care to our young patients.”
Author Carmen Noboa-Espinal shared, “I am thrilled to see the impact that storytelling can have on children and families. It’s a joy to share Abuelita and the Magic Stove with the community and promote the love of reading.”
Abuelita and the Magic Stove is a heartwarming tale that celebrates Latino culture and family values through a whimsical narrative. Inspired by her personal experiences with influential women in her family, Carmen was driven to create a story that fills a void in children’s literature and celebrates the cherished values of love and family. This is Carmen’s first children’s book. She has also written two novels for adults, Uptown Menace and Turning Back Time.
Carmen’s husband, Juan Espinal, a valued member of the hospital’s police department, further strengthens the bond between Carmen and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.
For media inquiries or further information about NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, please visit our website www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens.
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Media Contact: Cleon Edwards, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, 646-772-5725; or
Jane Petrik, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, 718-883-2129;
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
A member of NYC Health and Hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens is a major health care provider in the borough of Queens. Its foremost mission is to provide quality, comprehensive care to all members of the public regardless of their ability to pay. The year 2015 marked its 80th anniversary of serving the communities of central and southeastern Queens, having first opened its doors as Queens General Hospital in 1935. Encompassing 360,000 square feet, it comprises 253 licensed beds, spacious ambulatory care suites featuring both primary and specialty services, and cutting-edge equipment. It also houses four Centers of Excellence: Cancer Care, Diabetes Management, Women’s Health, and Behavioral Health. The hospital has recently added a fully expanded Emergency Room, a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence accredited by the American College of Radiology, and a Total Hip and Knee Replacement Center, with plans underway to build the Health System’s first Dialysis Center to train patients to perform their own at-home dialysis. To learn more about NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens/.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, and post-acute care centers. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to more than one million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city’s five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.