Teddy Bear Clinic Eases Fears About Hospital

Going to a hospital can be a difficult experience for anyone, especially a child. Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston held its 5th annual Teddy Bear Clinic in order to ease kids' fears about the whole experience.

More than 200 kids brought their favorite stuffed animals to the , where they each received a "passport" with the animal's name. They then proceeded through a variety of different stations where they learned about x-rays, intravenous medications, hospital beds, proper hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and many more aspects of the hospital. The bears (and other animals) received a sticker at each stop for their passport and an occasional band-aid.

Doctors and nurses got down on the floor to meet the variety of children and their stuffed friends. Members of the West Orange Fire department were also on hand to give a tour of a fire engine and dispense goody bags filled with healthy snacks, coloring books, a jump rope, and pamphlets about fire safety. Parents also took home a bag, which included a smoke alarm.

The Justin Charity Bear Fund, a foundation which exists to give bears to children who are underprivileged and ill, was also on hand, distributing a new teddy bear to each young  attendee. When asked what the best part of the experience was, one child replied, "getting a new bear."

The Teddy Bear clinic receives support from the John La Conti M.D. Child Life Fund. It is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, Toys R Us, Sodexo and Whole Foods in Montclair.