Teddy Bear Clinic and Touch-A-Truck Event Brings Hands-on Health Education to Keene

Set for Saturday, April 25, the Teddy Bear Clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the medical center’s West Campus on Maple Avenue in Keene. Organized by the hospital’s Family & Community Care Clinic, the program is designed to help children feel more comfortable in medical settings by turning them into caregivers for the day.

During the clinic, children can bring a stuffed animal—or receive one on site—and guide their “patient” through a series of mock medical experiences. Stations may include check-in, X-rays, lab work, casting, vaccinations and other routine healthcare activities. The interactive format allows kids to explore equipment and procedures in a relaxed, supportive environment, helping reduce fear often associated with doctor visits.

Organizers say the experience is particularly helpful for children between the ages of 2 and 12, though families of all backgrounds are welcome to participate. By role-playing as doctors, nurses or technicians, children can build familiarity and confidence before real-life appointments.

Advance registration is required for the Teddy Bear Clinic portion of the event, with space limited to 74 participants. Sign-ups open April 1 and are handled via email on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alongside the clinic, a separate Touch-a-Truck event will be held in the Maple Avenue parking lot, weather permitting. That portion of the day is open to all ages and does not require registration. Children will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at emergency vehicles, including a helicopter from Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team, along with ambulances, a fire engine and law enforcement vehicles from regional agencies.

Food vendors will also be on site, offering refreshments for purchase throughout the event.

Hospital officials say the combined event is intended to make healthcare education approachable while also giving families a fun, hands-on way to connect with first responders and medical professionals in their community.