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

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.