NORTHAMPTON – Most kids are afraid of the hospital. But Cooley Dickinson Hospital staff and pediatric specialists hope to change that.

On Saturday, May 14, local children ages 2 to 10 – older kids, too – are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal or get a new teddy bear to care at a Teddy Bear Clinic that will be held from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the hospital's North Building Entrance.

Emergency Department staff and pediatric specialists will show children and their teddy bear patients what happens at the hospital. Kids are invited to be part of this informal, fun atmosphere as a way to learn about health, safety and what to expect should they need to go to the hospital.  

Attendees will have a chance to meet nurses and doctors, see X-rays and have their vital signs checked.  Kids can also learn how not to get sick (hint: wash their hands!) and keep safe while riding their bikes or playing sports.  Other attractions include tours of the inside of the Am-B-Care ambulance, car seat checks by the Northampton Fire Department, free child identification kits from the Northampton Police Department, and the opportunity to sign up for health insurance with Hampshire HealthConnect.  There will be healthy snacks and giveaways, too.

The fun continues with Bear Country 95.3 and Hits Now 94.3 radio stations at a live remote at the event from 12 to 2 p.m.  The stations are offering the last chance to win a pair of tickets to a sold-out Taylor Swift concert in June at Gillette Stadium with a raffle drawing to be held at 2 p.m.

The Cooley Cares for Kids fundraiser taking place during May supports the hospital's pediatric programs that serve over 9,000 newborns to teens each year.  At the teddy bear clinic, kids and families can make a $5 gift and receive a stuffed teddy bear or bring spare change to donate at the spiral wishing well.

For more information, please contact the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Development Office at 582-2255 or visit www.cooley-dickinson.org.