USNH Naples was recognized as the 2017 Community Service Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship Award for a Large Overseas command, Jan. 9.

The purpose of the Health, Safety, and Fitness program award category is to promote healthy and fit lifestyles to military members as well as the surrounding civilian community.

The award recognized the Teddy Bear Health Clinic that took place in April 2017, sponsored by USNH Naples Health Promotions department and the Healthcare to Health (H2H) Committee. The event was planned as part of the celebration for the "Month of the Military Child" and held in conjunction with the Navy Child and Youth Program (CYP) Youth Sports Fun Day and Glow in the Park Run.

During the Teddy Bear Health Clinic, children received a teddy bear and then went from station to station making sure their new friend was healthy. The bears received patient identification bracelets, had their blood pressure taken, their hearts listened to, their hearing tested, and even experienced an X-ray. The goal was to introduce children to different departments in the hospital and help alleviate any anxiety during future appointments or potential hospital stays.

The Teddy Bear Clinic was made possible by the Strong Community Partnership with previous NSA Youth Director, Mr. Jarod Bailey; and the NSA Youth Sports and Fitness Coordinator of CYP, Mr. Gerardo Troiano; and the dedicated volunteers from the hospital and Red Cross.

This community collaboration serviced 175 children providing education on a variety of healthcare related services focused to lessen anxiety associated with a medical visit, enhance prevention knowledge, and promote health and wellness in an interactive and fun environment.

The Health Promotions department and Healthcare to Health Committee want to thank all the volunteers for their commitment to excellence in making this event and award possible. The Health Promotions team continues to strive to support the active duty and community in its area of responsibility. If you missed the 2017 event, be on the lookout for another Teddy Bear Health Clinic this April!

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Hospital Naples, visit www.navy.mil/.