A special Teddy Bear Clinic event drew more than 1700 people to Greenwich Hospital to get their stuffed animals checked and learn more about healthcare.
More than 1,700 children and parents took part in Greenwich Hospital’s 17th annual Teddy Bear Clinic on Sunday, Oct. 4, the hospital announced in a statement. Children had their favorite stuffed animals with them, which were to be checked and treated by nurses and doctors in special tents at the outdoor hospital.
“The Teddy Bear Clinic teaches children about healthy habits and helps lessen fears about going to the hospital and their doctor,” said Norman G. Roth, president of Greenwich Hospital. “Many of the children and parents who attend have been coming to this family-friendly event for years.”
Almost all hospital departments were represented. This made sure that all problems with teddy bears and other stuffed animals were taken care of. It also allowed health professionals to teach children as much as possible about healthcare.
Dressed in a doctor’s white coat, Conrad Gillis, 4, of Greenwich brought his teddy bear to the clinic for a “check-up because he wasn’t feeling good.” His mom, Megan, said Conrad “gets excited about this event every year. We’ve been here the past three years. He loves it.” It also shows that the Teddy Bear Clinic can be a good way of showing children it is not that scary to go to the doctor.
If you have missed the event, there will be another Teddy Bear Clinic that will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan State University 4-H Children’s Garden. It will also feature the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
This event will also have a special guest – a K-9 officer. While the stuffed animals are getting their health checks, children and adults will also have the opportunity to have small check-ups, for dental for example. Players from MSU’s women’s basketball, women’s soccer and pom-pom teams will also be in attendance. MSU kinesiology students will be on site giving away jump ropes.
Lansing Neurosurgery give away 500-600 fitted helmets, while the MSU Federal Credit Union will offer face painting and balloon animals. Other participating organizations include Sparrow Hospital, the YMCA of Lansing, and Meijer.
The event shapes up to be quite interesting. If you can, go check it out.
