DUNKIRK, NY — A delightful mix of education and care came together recently at Dunkirk Intermediate School, where Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Practical Nursing students partnered with Dunkirk City School Nurse, Heidi Powell to host a Health and Wellness Teddy Bear Clinic.
The event welcomed young students and their families for an engaging experience focused on promoting health and wellness through interactive learning. Children brought their favorite stuffed animals, or “patients” for the day, and visited various health stations where E2CCB PN students offered gentle check-ups, health tips, and playful demonstrations of medical care.
The goal of the clinic was twofold: to encourage children to take an interest in personal health from an early age and to help reduce anxiety about medical environments. Through hands-on interactions, the young attendees learned about hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and basic checkups in a fun, age-appropriate way.
For the Practical Nursing students, the Teddy Bear Clinic offered a meaningful opportunity to practice communication, patient education, and community outreach skills in a real-world setting.
Nurse Heidi Powell, who helped coordinate the event, emphasized the importance of bridging classroom learning with community service to make children feel safe in a medical setting. “This clinic was a wonderful way to bring our local nursing students and families together,” she said. “It’s about promoting wellness, but also building trust and connection.”
The collaboration between E2CCB and Dunkirk Intermediate School highlights the value of community partnerships in advancing health education and preparing future healthcare professionals.
As students, staff, and families came together, the Teddy Bear Clinic proved to be more than just a playful event. It was a heartfelt investment in the health of the next generation.
