Piedmont Athens Regional to host third annual Teddy Bear Clinic

Athens, Ga. (January 16, 2026) – Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center will host its third annual Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at Medical Services Building A, 242 King Avenue, Athens. The free event is open to children ages 3 to 8 and aims to help young patients feel more comfortable in health care settings.

The clinic coincides with Child Life Month, which highlights the role of certified child life specialists in reducing fear and anxiety during medical encounters. One of their most effective tools is medical play, which allows children to gain a sense of control over common procedures and learn through hands-on activities. Positive coping techniques modeled during play can help children manage future medical experiences and improve psychosocial outcomes.

“The Piedmont Athens Teddy Bear Clinic is a unique way to celebrate Child Life Month and support the health and well-being of our youngest patients,” said Deanna Warren, MS, CCLS, child life specialist at Piedmont Athens Regional. “We are thrilled to bring this event to our community again.”

Event highlights:

• Children will receive a free stuffed animal, T-shirt and goodie bag.
• Children will work their way through stations led by hospital staff and engage in common medical procedures through play with their stuffed animals. Infection Prevention will also provide an educational play session on good hand hygiene practices.
• Children will participate in a white coat ceremony, receive a certificate and take photos.
• Children will engage in Touch-a-Truck with an ambulance and fire truck.
• Safe Kids will provide free car seat checks.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the collaboration with hospital staff, student volunteers, community organizations, and donors to make this event possible each year, Warren said.