BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — St. Joseph’s Hospital is celebrating National Respiratory Care Week October 25-31.  

National Respiratory Care Week was established in 1983 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.” 

Although cigarette smoking today isn’t nearly as huge a problem as it was 37 years ago, the current rash of vaping or e-cigarette illnesses has replaced cigarettes as a new culprit affecting younger smokers.

Respiratory Care Week not only shines a spotlight on efforts to reduce disabling lung conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) but the week is designed to raise awareness about respiratory illnesses.

“Respiratory therapists are an integral part of St. Joseph’s Hospital’s patient care team,” said Julie Neff, RRT, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services for St. Joseph’s Hospital. 

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.