Hennepin Healthcare Teddy Bear Clinic

Kids are invited to bring their favorite Teddy Bears to our Clinic and Specialty Center for a special Teddy Bear Clinic. “The goal of this free event is to expose children to the medical environment before a traumatic situation occurs,” explains HCMC emergency physician Dr. Anna McFarlin. “In addition to preventing trauma, we hope to help children feel more comfortable in this setting and with the procedures that occur during a typical emergency department visit. Allowing Teddy – or any other stuffed animal – to participate demonstrates the friendly nature and loving goal of a visit.” Teddy Bears will be “admitted” and after being examined may have a variety of procedures performed including blood pressure and heart rate checks, injections, stitches, x-rays, or a splint or bandage placed on their paws. The Teddy Bear Clinic will feature Teddy Bear repairs and sew-ups, trauma prevention activities, ambulance and fire truck tours.