Did you know that Respiratory Care Week is celebrated all over the world? In fact, Saleem N. Hamilah, BS, RCP, a respiratory therapist in Yemen, shares how he and his team celebrates the week.
Hamilah believes RC Week, complete with the annual materials developed for the week, helps raise the awareness of the respiratory therapist’s importance globally.
Inaugural celebration
In 2018, Hamilah and his team organized and implemented the first-ever celebration of RC Week in Yemen. The event was sponsored by Yemen Bilquis Medical Institute, and they invited all health leaders in Sana’a, focusing on respiratory therapy supporters.
“The event was extremely productive, informative and it gave overviews of the important role of respiratory therapy in hospitals and [the] amazing outcomes being [found] in hospitals where the respiratory therapist [is] available,” Hamilah said.
Between the health care colleagues who took part in the Yemen celebration and the promotion through their social media channels, Hamilah believes they gained awareness for the profession.
What’s in store for 2019?
Hamilah is looking forward to their 2019 Respiratory Care Week celebrations.
The Yemen team has organized scientific and informative lectures in respiratory care for their community to help explain why respiratory care is important to health. They will also distribute RC Week flyers to all attendees.
They’ll also host a workshop on PFT and Spirometry test implementation.
Are you ready to celebrate?
Check out the AARC Respiratory Care Week resources!
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.
