Gridley Medical pathway students from Gridley High School help children examine stuffed animals during Orchard Hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic on May 21 at the Orchard Medical Specialty Center in Gridley. The annual event introduces elementary students to medical care and first responders in a hands-on setting.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Teddy, Mr. Honey Bear and a tiny pink rabbit were among the patients at Orchard Hospital’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic on May 21 at the Orchard Medical Specialty Center in Gridley.

Students from McKinley and Manzanita elementary schools joined medical professionals, first responders and Gridley High School medical pathway students for the event, which aims to help children feel more comfortable around emergency responders and medical care.

Representatives from the Gridley Police Department, CAL FIRE Station 74 and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office participated in the clinic.

Gridley High School medical pathway students arrived early to prepare stations and guided children through activities during the event.

The Teddy Bear Clinic was started nearly 25 years ago by Kirsten Storne-Piazza, whose experience working as an EMT in emergency rooms inspired the program.

“So many kids that would come into the ER, they didn’t know what to expect,” Storne-Piazza said. “They’re terrified of white coats, and they’re just scared.”

Gridley Police Department Animal Control Officer Savannah Gorton and Officer Ashley Gibson joined medical pathway students during the Teddy Bear Clinic to teach children about safety and emergency response. Front row, from left, are Gorton and Gibson. Back row, from left, are Yazline Sanchez, Aubrey Quist, Audrina Trahin, Josie Stogsdill and Vivian King.

The clinic allows children to bring stuffed animals to receive “treatment” while learning about emergency response in a relaxed setting.

Storne-Piazza said attendance was low during the clinic’s first year when it was open to the public. She later approached local school districts about turning the clinic into a field trip opportunity for kindergarten through second-grade students.

“They were very excited and very supportive,” Storne-Piazza said.

Children rotated through stations that introduced them to different parts of an emergency response. The tour began with police officers, representing the initial 911 response, followed by an ambulance demonstration and a visit with firefighters and Ladder Truck 74. The final stop allowed medical pathway students to diagnose and treat the stuffed animals’ “injuries.”

Medical pathway student Asher Kimberling said the event helps children “trust the medical field.”

Student Josie Stogsdill said children do not often get opportunities to interact with emergency responders in a calm environment.

Gridley Police Officer Ashley Gibson said positive interactions outside emergencies are important for children.

“I think the education portion is really important for the kids, because they don’t get a lot of exposure to police officers and firefighters, and when they do, it’s probably not the best day of their life,” Gibson said.

“When they get to interact with us when it’s not an emergency, it allows them to see that we’re just people too, you know? And we’re not scary,” Gibson added.

Children listened closely to presenters, asked questions and watched as their stuffed animals received care throughout the clinic.

Organizers said the annual Teddy Bear Clinic continues to help ease children’s fears surrounding emergency situations and medical care.