BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — St. Joseph’s Hospital is celebrating National Respiratory Care Week October 23-29.

National Respiratory Care Week was established in 1982 with a proclamation that read “Chronic lung diseases constitute an important health problem in the United States. They afflict nearly 18 million Americans and cause nearly 70,000 deaths each year, many of which are the direct result of cigarette smoking.” 

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) play a major role on the interdisciplinary team (IDT) by helping patients who suffer from respiratory issues due to lung and heart conditions or chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the important role RTs play in supporting recovery from the long-haul effects of COVID-19. Their dedication has been critical to saving lives during the pandemic. 

This week also works to boost interest on the part of people who might want to become respiratory therapists or other health professionals working in the area of respiratory care.