GOLDENDALE, Wash. — Klickitat Valley Health welcomed 89 local kindergarten and first-grade students from Wishram, Klickitat, Centerville and Goldendale elementary schools on Wednesday, June 3. The students visited KVH for Kindergarten Day, an annual event that helps children become more familiar with the hospital, meet local health care workers and learn what to expect during a visit.
Students were welcomed by KVH employees and volunteers, along with Doc Panda, KVH’s children’s care mascot. They watched as a pretend patient named Billy Bob arrived by ambulance and was transferred to the emergency room. Klickitat County paramedics, KVH nurses and physicians explained how they would care for Billy Bob, who was said to have been injured in a trampoline accident. Students then explored diagnostic imaging equipment, visited lab services and toured other departments where patients receive care. After having their photo taken with Doc Panda, they left with farewell snacks.
Kindergarten Day has become an annual event at KVH, with employees and volunteers looking forward to welcoming local students each year. This year, students from Wishram and Klickitat elementary schools joined the event for the first time.
“Kindergarten Day is a favorite tradition for many of us at KVH,” said Ted Gunnyon, director of diagnostic imaging and the Kindergarten Day patient, Billy Bob. “For children, a hospital can feel unfamiliar or even scary. This event gives them a chance to go behind the scenes, ask questions and experience KVH as a safe and welcoming place in our community.”
The visit introduced students to the many people who support patient care, including clinical staff, emergency services personnel, volunteers and support teams. For several students, the experience also included seeing parents, grandparents or other family members in their professional roles at KVH.
“Wishram Kindergarteners had the best time visiting KVH. From our arrival, to getting to dress like hospital staff, to roving through different departments, the whole experience was wonderful,” said Carisa Bellamy, Wishram school teacher. “As a small rural school, we don’t always get opportunities to investigate other community places or career options. KVH welcomed us in and showed us that hospitals are our community helpers, and how everyone within the system works together to help people in need.”
Kindergarten Day is coordinated through KVH Community Engagement, which works with local schools and community partners on tours, outreach and health awareness activities.