Regardless of where you work in respiratory care, you are likely to be touched in some way by National Respiratory Care Week (Oct. 20-26). From health fairs to employee breakfasts to giving out RC Week gear, RTs across the globe find creative ways to celebrate the week and raise awareness of the profession.
Now is the time to start planning your RC Week events. These activities boost career morale and help your community and colleagues learn more about respiratory therapy.
Is there a favorite RC Week activity you look forward to every year? Need some planning inspiration? RC Week organizers share their faves—
Volunteer in your community
Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) RT students traditionally volunteer at Shenango Valley Senior Center (Hermitage, PA) as well as St. Joe’s at the mall (Warren, OH). The students educate community residents regarding lung health, smoking cessation and respiratory medicine education. They also perform vitals and spirometry screenings.
“It’s easy to get inspired with a cause you truly care about,” said Mary Mittwede, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, LTI program director, respiratory therapy. “LTI is passionate about giving back to the community, doors open when you volunteer and connections are made. Students feel a sense of pride as they share their knowledge with the public and get to practice skills they learned in the classroom and at clinicals.”
The LTI students go a step further and join in on a fitness class taking place while they’re visiting the center.
“This activity is a great way to get out of the classroom setting and have some fun while giving back,” Mittwede said.
Host an information health fair
According to Amy France, MS, RRT, “Respiratory Care Week is a big deal at Shawnee State University.”
Her students host an information health fair, complete with giant lungs to draw attention to the event. Medical Laboratory students also join in the event to offer screenings and collaboration. France and her team even make “goodie baskets” to send out to local hospitals.
This year they are hosting the CF walk on their campus during RC Week to hopefully draw more attention to RTs and to CF.
Celebrate your team
“We love to hold activities that really show appreciation for our team,” said Amanda Richter, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, RPFT, FACHE, operations manager – pulmonary services for WellSpan York Hospital. “My favorite is probably our chair massages at work!”
This past year they had food events every day and even held a chili cookoff competition. They also took part in a bowling night, paint night, escape room outing, and their city mayor held a proclamation signing.
How will you celebrate Respiratory Care Week 2019?
Check out our RC Week tools to help you plan and promote a fun, successful event!
- Download the RC Week Planning Guide (PDF)
- Shop the RC Week Store for the gear you need to celebrate
- Promote your activities on your social media platforms – use #RCWeek19
- Keep the AARC in the loop! Plan on sharing with us photos and details of how you’re celebrating.
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.
