Celebrating National Respiratory Care Week

Just days away, Meadowbrook Care Center and health care facilities across the nation will recognize the importance of respiratory care services provided in the nation’s health care system from Oct. 20-26 by celebrating National Respiratory Care Week (NRCW).

Respiratory Therapist and Patient Photo Credit: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Sponsored every year by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), NRCW was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan almost 40 years ago when he issued a proclamation declaring the last full week in October to recognize the work of respiratory therapists. The proclamation issued on September 15, 1983 spelled out why the week was so important and has ever since to turn the spotlight on this key health care provider and the work they do to bring compassionate care to those with breathing problems.

According to AARC, chronic lung diseases afflicts nearly 18 million Americans causing nearly 70,000 deaths each year, many of which are the direct result of smoking cigarettes though cigarette smoking today isn’t as huge of a problem as it was 36 years ago.  The Centers for Disease Control is now reporting that just under 1,000 people are suffering from respiratory distress due to a new fad, vaping or smoking e-cigarettes.

Reducing Disabling Lung Conditions

Respiratory Care Week shines a spotlight on efforts to reduce disabling lung conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to raise the public’s awareness about what respiratory therapists do to reduce devastating lung conditions.

As the key clinicians responsible for delivering hands on care to those with asthma, COPD, and other chronic and acute respiratory conditions, as well as critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation in Meadowbrook Care Center, respiratory therapists work closely with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to ensure patients receive safe and effective care.

National Respiratory Care Week is the perfect time for Meadowbrook Care Center to thank our respiratory therapy team for the vital role they play in providing care each and every day.