Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Andreas will host the second annual Teddy Bear Clinic on the mornings of Oct. 20, 21 and 22. Approximately 450 kindergartners, their teachers and parent chaperones will have the opportunity to tour most areas of the hospital in order to learn about the hospital departments, all while gaining a comfort level within the hospital setting.

With the help of the California Highway Patrol Air Operations, Calfire, PHI Air Medical and American Legion Ambulance, the students will also have the opportunity again this year to tour helicopters, ambulances and fire engines, all of which are key factors for great health care in our community. After touring the hospital, students will end their day by having lunch with physicians and staff.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to once again create an educational experience that our children will never forget,” said hospital President Feliciano Jiron. “As a community organization, we believe Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital can provide a wonderful experience for the children of our community as they develop a strong understanding of the importance health care plays in our day-to-day lives. The entire organization is very excited and cannot wait for the kids to walk through the door once again.”

“We have invited every kindergarten class in Calaveras County to take part in this wonderful program,” said Johanna Jiron, event coordinator. “Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital supports the educational growth of our children and has once again provided this program at no expense to all that participate. It’s very exciting to have so many participants and I know that many of the teachers also take this time to include a Health Week lesson plan prior to the clinic, which expands the experience even more. This is an incredible event for our community.”