Forrest General Hospital promoting literacy at Pine Belt schools

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Forrest General Hospital (FGH) is touring elementary schools around the Pine Belt to promote literacy.

Mississippi has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country and FGH is doing their part hoping to encourage reading to students.

FGH Public Relations Michael Marks said, “Literacy is important, it is no secret that in grades, one thru three kids are learning to read, and from fourth grade forward, they read to learn, reading is the key to success in life.”

Marsha Hodo Long Leaf Elementary School Counselor said she is happy the hospital cares about its local students.

“We always want community involvement, and so any chance we have, to let the community come into our school and be involved with our students" said Hodo.

She added, "We always welcome that and its just a great way to promote literacy with our kindergartens and they are excited to read, the love to be read to, and this was just a great opportunity to have the community involvement.”

FGH will be in Sumrall Thursday.