Respiratory Care Week 2021 kicks off on Oct. 24. We hope you’re ready to celebrate!
A Snapshot of RC Week History
Although it had already been an annual local and regional event throughout the country for several years, National Respiratory Therapy Week truly became an official national event in 1982 when executives and officers of the American Association for Respiratory Therapy (AART) visited the White House.
In 1986, AART became the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and RT Week became National Respiratory Care Week—now better known as RC Week. Since then, the national event in honor of respiratory care professionals has steadily grown to reach all 50 states in the U.S. and beyond.
And in 2003, lung health awareness was escalated even further with the establishment of Lung Health Day, celebrated during Respiratory Care Week. Today, RC Week and Lung Health Day are delivering the message to medical professionals and consumers around the world.
Why Do You Celebrate?
Check out what some of the staff at the AARC have to say about one of their favorite weeks of the year. We spoke with AARC’s Vice President of Education and Meetings, Lanny Inabnit, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, RCP, FAARC, who gave us his insight.
“Respiratory therapists make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families every day,” Inabnit said. “Respiratory Care Week is a time to reflect on the previous year and celebrate the hard work and dedication that each respiratory therapist has shown.”
Lanny knows the value of celebrating those you work with.
“We should celebrate each other and embrace our family of respiratory therapists,” he said. “Not only during RC Week, but everyday.”
We also took the time to hear from AARC’s Vice President of Membership and Customer Service, Amanda Feil, CAE. She recognizes that RC Week isn’t just for celebrating, but it’s an opportunity to educate the public.
“Recognizing members is one of my favorite parts of working in an association,” Feil said. “I love Respiratory Care Week because it gives respiratory therapists an opportunity to educate the public about respiratory therapy while celebrating the extraordinary role that RTs play in health care.”
She even shared what she’s specifically looking forward to during RC Week 2021.
“There’s been quite a bit of coverage lately about pandemic ‘doomscrolling’ – spending too much time absorbed in negativity online,” Feil said. “I’m looking forward to seeing #RCWEEK21 fill my timelines. It’s such a joy to see RTs celebrating each other. I love when people share why they joined the profession. I hope Respiratory Care Week helps RTs mentally reset and reignite their passion.”
We Want to Hear From You
Just like Amanda said, the staff at the AARC is excited to see #RCWEEK21 fill our timelines. Send us photos of your RC Week celebrations to newsroom@aarc.org. Your photos will be featured in an RC Week 2021 photo album on the AARC Facebook page.
If you haven’t already, be sure to checkout all the resources the AARC offers you.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Addie Schiefer is the Content Manager for the AARC where she creates engaging content for the association via the AARC website, newsletters, and social media. Connect with her about potential stories by email, AARConnect, or LinkedIn. When she’s not working, you can find her listening to a true crime podcast, traveling to new places with her husband, hanging out with her dog JoJo, or browsing the aisles of the nearest Target.
