All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrates National Respiratory Care Week

At left, from left to right: Registered Respiratory Therapists Jonathan Neal, Brandi Brown and Jim Kupfer. At right, from left to right: Registered Respiratory Therapists Stephanie Arden, Julie Neff, Kelly Ferren and John-Mark Ware.
At left, from left to right: Registered Respiratory Therapists Jonathan Neal, Brandi Brown and Jim Kupfer. At right, from left to right: Registered Respiratory Therapists Stephanie Arden, Julie Neff, Kelly Ferren and John-Mark Ware.

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.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.