Trauma Bear Program
The Utah League of Credit Unions donated 500 stuffed teddy bears to the Utah Highway Patrol on October 19, 1989. The bears were used to help troopers calm young accident victims. The program has been called “Bears Bearing Bears,” “Teddy Bear Patrol,” and “Trauma Bear Program.” Regardless of the name, the program was patterned after a 1986 program in Minnesota called “Hug-a-Bear.” The Credit Union League gave the bears as part of its “People Helping People” program. The Honorary Colonels Association conducted fund raising events to help purchase additional trauma bears. The trauma bear program has gained many young friends for the Utah Highway Patrol.