Children’s Museum of NH’s Teddy Bear Clinic Going Strong After 40 Years
Practically every year for the past 40 years, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover has organized and hosted a “Teddy Bear Clinic and Picnic” with the help of Portsmouth Regional Hospital staff and volunteers. Each year, the clinic offers kids a chance to develop positive associations with a visit to the doctor’s office. This year’s clinic will be held on Thursday, August 10 from 9am-Noon, and is included with museum admission.
“The Teddy Bear Clinic at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is one of our favorite events,” said Nora Fortin, RN, seacoast market director of Women & Children’s Services at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. “It gives us the opportunity to talk with children in our community, to help them learn more about what we, as caregivers and providers, do so that hopefully they’ll be less afraid when it’s time to go to the doctor themselves.
At the clinic each child’s stuffed animal is checked-in and given an ID bracelet. Then children take their animals to meet with a volunteer doctor or nurse for a check-up. If needed, animals can be taken to the surgical table for stitches, band-aids, and ribbons. “Last year we had an actual surgeon volunteer at the clinic, which was fun to see,” said Megan Beach, CMNH Museum Experience Manager. At the end of their appointment, animals receive a certificate of good health, and families are invited to enjoy a to-go snack for the ride home.
“Providing education is a big part of our jobs at Portsmouth Regional Hospital,” said Malachi Fisher, market director of trauma and neurosciences at HCA New England. “While we enjoy being out in the community at a wide range of events, stitching and patching up stuffed animals, and doing exams when the stuffed animals aren’t feeling well is by far one of the highlights for us. It helps keep us grounded. It’s just one of the reasons we love what we do.”
“We’re so happy to once again welcome back volunteers from Portsmouth Regional Hospital to be a part of the Clinic this year,” shared CMNH President Jane Bard. “We have photos of them from as far back as 1985, volunteering for and supporting this program, which is wonderful to see.” Online reservations are required. The Teddy Bear Clinic Sponsor for 2023 is Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history. Portsmouth Regional Hospital has been a long time sponsor of this event and sends volunteer staff every year to participate!
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Teddy Bear Clinic is a special program that the museum has been offering for most of its 40 year history.
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