Children’s of Alabama teddy bear clinic eases fears for kids

A stay in the hospital can be scary, stressful and confusing for kids. A special clinic at Children’s of Alabama is focused on changing that – by using teddy bears to educate young patients and making hospitals a friendlier place to stay. 

In March, a teddy bear clinic, run by child life specialists, gave young patients the chance to play the role of caregiver. Patients were accompanied by a teddy bear through clinic stations where the bears received care and treatments, much like the ones they may have experienced in the hospital. 

Some of the “treatments” bears received included: 

• X-rays
• breathing treatments
• casts
• and shots

 At the event, a team of Spire employees helped patients provide medical care for their teddy bears as part of their Day for Good volunteer hours. The bears were donated previously by Spire. Spire was honored to be the first group to participate in an in-person teddy bear clinic since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Spire is passionate about making communities a better place for everyone —especially our children,” said Joe Hampton, Spire Alabama, Gulf Coast and Mississippi President. “That is why each year, we are excited to support the teddy bear clinic and the brave patients and families at Children’s of Alabama. We are inspired by the smiles on the children’s faces and the opportunity to help comfort families during a challenging moment in their lives.”

Spire has been a strong supporter of the medical play program since 2017.