National Respiratory Care Week took place Oct. 21-27, and respiratory therapists from all over the globe used the occasion to raise awareness about respiratory health and the clinicians who play such an integral role in the health and well-being of people with respiratory conditions. Here’s a brief look at some of their celebrations.
GFC MSU Respiratory Therapist Program
Great Falls, MT
Respiratory therapy students at Great Falls College–Montana State University celebrated Respiratory Care Week.
Manchester Community College
Manchester, CT
Manchester Community College sophomore students hosted an information booth about the hazards of smoking cigarettes, marijuana and vaping as part of their Respiratory Care Week festivities.
Bilquis Medical Institute
Yemen
In 2016, the Bilquis Medical Institute started the first accredited program in respiratory care, and this past October, Yemeni RTs celebrated their first ever National Respiratory Care Week. Part of the week’s celebrations included presenting the first “RC Star in Yemen” award, which will now be presented annually during RC Week to a Yemeni RT who shows dedication, service, passion, and creativity to the respiratory care specialty in Yemen. This year’s award went to AARC member Saleem Hamilah, BSc, RCP, for his pioneering efforts on behalf of the profession in his country.
Al Wakra Hospital / Hamad Medical Corporation
Doha, Qatar
For the first time, Al Wakra Hospital, a member of the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha, Qatar, celebrated Respiratory Care Week. The team held activities held in their hospital main lobby for patients, family and staff members of all ages. They displayed respiratory therapy equipment. They also hosted painting crafts for children as well as demonstrations of the respiratory system. Patients, family and staff members participated in a Q&A session and presentation. The event brought visitors from eight other HMC facilities. As a result, more than 200 visitors took part in the event.
Mark your calendar
Next Year’s Respiratory Care Week is Oct. 20-26. Looking for ideas, check in with your fellow AARC members through AARConnect to see how they celebrated and what ideas you may have for next year.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
