Saint Barnabas Invites Kids and Their Teddy Bears to Clinic

is inviting children, aged 4-8, to a free Teddy Bear Clinic on Wednesday, July 18. 

Kids can bring their teddy bears or favorite stuffed animals to the luau themed-clinic to learn about medical equipment and procedures to become comfortable with visiting a hospital.  

Together, children and their “patients” will visit a series of interactive play stations so that children will have a good time learning that they don’t have to fear a trip to the hospital.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to be similar to the experiences that children and their family members might have when they go for an annual checkup or are admitted into the hospital,” says Danielle Martino, a Child Life Therapist at Saint Barnabas. “Participation in the clinic will help kids become more familiar with a hospital setting and allow them to dispel fears that they might have.”

The event will be held at the Barnabas Health Corporate Offices, 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange (located across the street from the emergency entrance to the hospital).  It will follow an open house format.  Parents and children can arrive anytime between 1-2:30 p.m. to experience the interactive play stations at their leisure.  

Free parking and refreshments will be provided. The event is free, but registration is required: 973-322-4305 or www.barnabashealthcalendar.org/sbmc.