26th annual Newman Teddy Bear Clinic provides time for familiarity with local health professionals and first responders alike Saturday

Newman Regional Health’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic packed Flint Hills Mall Saturday morning.

Several hundred families passed through the mall’s doors to interact with care providers through Newman and Emporia State University Health and Human Performance students, Emporia Police and Fire and nearly 20 different community vendors during the 26th annual event. Newman Marketing Specialist Saylor Middleton says she was ecstatic with the turnout but not surprised, saying they can always count on the community to “show up.”

Speaking of showing up, Middleton says they were very grateful to have local law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs on hand for the event, noting they play an integral role in the healthcare process.

Emporia Fire Captain Michael Nunley says they are always happy to have a chance to interact with community members on their best days because it can help make their job easier when it comes to interacting with them on their worst days.

Emporia Police Sgt. Dominic Vortherms agreed.

On top of interacting with health professionals, law enforcement and firefighters, attendees were also able to participate in various activities, register for prizes and take home a participant bag.

Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News.