October 16, 2014

National Respiratory Care Week, an annual recognition of the respiratory care profession and the importance of lung health is Oct. 19 to 25.

No matter where they practice, whether it's neonatal-pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency care, medical transport, pulmonary rehabilitation, acute care, home care, education, sleep medicine, or other specialties, respiratory care professionals' roles help restore lung health to people's lives.

Sponsored by the American Association of Respiratory Care and declared a national event by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, the mission of Respiratory Care Week is to:

• Honor and thank respiratory care professionals for their contributions
• Demonstrate the value of respiratory care professionals in all health care settings
• Promote respiratory health in the workplace and community
• Increase awareness of lung health issues in all environments
• Educate and encourage growth of the profession
• Inspire. It's what respiratory therapists do every day!