Beckley Campus supports CAMC Teddy Bear Fair

May 18, 2022 School of Nursing News

Pictured from left: Student Brittan Barley, faculty member Robin Spencer and student Elijah Brown.

Charleston Area Medical Center Women and Children's Hospital hosted the annual Teddy Bear Fair on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Teddy Bear Fair is designed to help children learn about health and wellness in a fun, non-threatening way. Medical professionals guide children by treating their teddy bears to help minimize the fear of hospitals.

"I wanted to participate in this event because I want to make sure that healthcare is interesting and inviting for children," said Brittan Barley. "I know that it can be very scary for them, so I want them to know that we are there to help them and to make their healthcare experiences as good and positive as possible."

The WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus representatives offered education on proper nutrition and portion sizes, as well as oral care and heart health.

Games and crafts were available for the children to participate in for a fun visit to the hospital.

Community organizations also participated in the fair by holding information tables, resources and activities for children during the event.

"It is very good for student nurses to be engaged with the community because our patient population is just that: our community," Barley said. "We are serving actual people in our profession. Sometimes, in healthcare, you can forget about the real life of the person that you're treating and it can be hard to see that patient outside of the hospital or clinical setting. But when you get out into the community and serve your future patients in the 'real world,' it can open your eyes to the level of compassion and personable care that you need to have in your profession."