Tag: “Teddy Bear Clinic”

Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital recently held a “Teddy Bear Clinic” to help familiarize young children with the care they may experience if they have to make a trip to the hospital.  Children and parents were encouraged to have fun while learning about procedures or tests they might encounter at the hospital.

“The clinic is an opportunity for kids to be empowered and have fun learning about the hospital,” said Katie Maraventano, Volunteer Resources Supervisor at Valley.  “We wanted to introduce them to and involve them in the procedures to give them a greater sense of control and alleviate some anxieties.”

During the “Teddy Bear Clinic,” which was held on Saturday, April 26, children ages 3 to 8 and their teddy bears (or other type of stuffed animal) visited nine medical stations set up at the hospital.  Each stuffed animal received a hospital ID band before getting its blood pressure and temperature taken.  The stuffed animals also received CAT scans and x-ray.  The kids and their teddy bears also were able to tour an ambulance.  Many Valley patients receive no -sew fleece blankets, and the clinic also showcased a workshop where volunteers taught children to make blankets for their stuffed animal.

The hospital plans to make the “Teddy Bear Clinic” an annual event