TUCSON, Ariz. (Oct. 6, 2023) – Join Diamond Children’s Medical Center at Reid Park Zoo for a teddy bear check-up clinic and fun day from 9 a.m. – noon on October 14, 2023.
Diamond Children’s Medical Center will provide free teddy bears for the first 1,000 children (while supplies last) and the opportunity to visit various medical stations placed around the zoo. Kids can also bring their own stuffed toy for a check-up. Diamond Children’s team members will provide education on how kids can keep their teddy bear safe and healthy. All ages are welcome and the clinic is FREE with regular Zoo admission.
The event is a fun way to help reduce children’s anxiety and fear of doctor visits and medical procedures.
“Children learn, and express themselves through play, so playing doctor is a powerful tool to normalize a medical experience and help them practice and gain the coping skills they need”, said Hadley Trull, Diamond Children’s Medical Center Child Life director.
By providing the children visiting the zoo with a stuffed teddy bear and interactive medical stations, children can learn more about basic medical treatments and health habits in a fun, interactive, informative, and empowered manner.
In addition to the teddy bear clinic, young guests can visit stations around the Zoo to learn about animal medical check-ups and how the Zoo keeps its animals healthy and thriving. “The health of our planet, animals and ecosystems are interrelated,” said Jennifer Stoddard, Reid Park Zoo conservation and education director. “We are pleased to collaborate with Banner Children’s Medical Center on this creative event to help children learn about the importance of both their health and animal health in a memorable way.”
About Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is an AZA-accredited Zoo located in the heart of Tucson, Arizona’s Reid Park. Originally founded in 1965, Reid Park Zoo has grown to 24-acres of land, housing over 250 animals from around the world in naturalistic exhibits. With over 500,000 visitors annually, Reid Park Zoo strives to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
About Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center
Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center — where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.
Diamond Children’s Medical Center will provide free teddy bears for the first 1,000 children (while supplies last) and the opportunity to visit various medical stations placed around the zoo. Kids can also bring their own stuffed toy for a check-up. Diamond Children’s team members will provide education on how kids can keep their teddy bear safe and healthy. All ages are welcome and the clinic is FREE with regular Zoo admission.
The event is a fun way to help reduce children’s anxiety and fear of doctor visits and medical procedures.
“Children learn, and express themselves through play, so playing doctor is a powerful tool to normalize a medical experience and help them practice and gain the coping skills they need”, said Hadley Trull, Diamond Children’s Medical Center Child Life director.
By providing the children visiting the zoo with a stuffed teddy bear and interactive medical stations, children can learn more about basic medical treatments and health habits in a fun, interactive, informative, and empowered manner.
In addition to the teddy bear clinic, young guests can visit stations around the Zoo to learn about animal medical check-ups and how the Zoo keeps its animals healthy and thriving. “The health of our planet, animals and ecosystems are interrelated,” said Jennifer Stoddard, Reid Park Zoo conservation and education director. “We are pleased to collaborate with Banner Children’s Medical Center on this creative event to help children learn about the importance of both their health and animal health in a memorable way.”
About Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is an AZA-accredited Zoo located in the heart of Tucson, Arizona’s Reid Park. Originally founded in 1965, Reid Park Zoo has grown to 24-acres of land, housing over 250 animals from around the world in naturalistic exhibits. With over 500,000 visitors annually, Reid Park Zoo strives to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
About Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center
Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center — where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]