Tulsa Indian Health Care Resource Center having 'Teddy Bear' Clinic

TULSA, Okla. – Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Inc. (IHCRC) will be hosting a pediatric health fair which will include a teddy bear clinic on Saturday, September 8th from 10am-12pm at 550 S. Peoria Avenue in Tulsa. A variety of health and safety information for parents will be available to all that attend. This event is free and open to the public.

Children are encouraged to bring their favorite teddy bear, stuffed animal or doll to the health fair. During the event, the child will serve as the “parent” of the teddy bear or other stuffed animal while accompanying them through the different service areas of the clinic which will include reception, waiting room, doctor’s exam, and radiology. The goal of the teddy bear clinic is to provide a fun environment that will alleviate a child’s fears of the medical setting and allow doctors, nurses, and technicians to perform various procedures on the toys, including X-rays, lab tests and checkups. At the same time, children get a better understanding of how a doctor’s office work and learn about wellness and injury prevention.

They will also get great prizes as they go throughout the clinic. If a child does not have a favorite toy with them, we will provide 125 children with their very own teddy bear.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to be a similar healthcare experience that a child might have when they go for an annual checkup,” says Carmelita Skeeter, IHCRC CEO. “Participation in the clinic will help kids become more familiar with a hospital setting and allow them to become more at ease when seeing a doctor.”

In addition to the children being able to take their teddy bear through the clinic to learn about healthy living, they will also be able to enjoy Tulsa Firefighters with a fire truck from 10-12am, balloon twisters, face painting, games and activities. Attendees will also have the chance to win one of many great prizes including a new Wii.

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Inc., (IHCRC), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, comprehensive health care facility, governed by a local Board of Directors. IHCRC provides medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health, chemical dependency, health education, and pharmacy services directly to the Tulsa Indian community. Members of any federally recognized tribe and their dependents are eligible to receive care.