UPMC Children’s to Host Free Teddy Bear Clinic to Help Kids Feel Better with Hospital Visits

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 9, 2026 - UPMC Children’s is inviting families in central Pennsylvania to a free Teddy Bear Clinic at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts located at 222 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 21 to help children better understand and feel more at ease with hospital experiences. Registration by Feb. 15 is required for this event.

“A visit to the hospital can be overwhelming and sometimes scary for young children,” said Sandra Schreffler, lead child life specialist, UPMC Children's in Central Pa. “The clinic is designed to reduce fear and build confidence by allowing children to learn about common medical tools and procedures in a fun, compassionate environment.”

Children must be aged 4 to 9 to participate. There are two sessions available - Session 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Session 2 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and registration is first‑come, first‑served. Both sessions will include pediatric teams performing sutures, taking vital signs, and putting a cast on a teddy bear. Following each session, each child will receive a free entry to the UPMC Science Center to experience various activities, including their special exhibit.

Child-friendly demonstrations will help them see that medical care can be safe and reassuring. This interactive event gives kids and parents the chance to walk through a series of playful, hands-on “medical” stations with their favorite teddy bear. Families are welcome to bring a stuffed animal from home. UPMC Children’s will also provide a teddy bear for each child who participates. Friendly demonstrations will help them see that medical care can be safe and reassuring.

No walk-ins will be accepted. Visit UPMC.com/TeddyBearClinic for details about the event and to register.

UPMC Children’s at UPMC Harrisburg offers 72 beds dedicated to infants, children, adolescents and teens, providing acute and critical inpatient pediatric care. UPMC brings nationally ranked care from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to families in central Pennsylvania, with direct access to its specialists when needed.

To learn more about UPMC Children’s in Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/CPAHospitalPediatrics.
 

About UPMC     

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members, providing affordable, high-quality, value-based care. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.