BUCKHANNON, W.Va – WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital Recognizes National Respiratory Care Week October 22-28.

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.” 

It is always celebrated during the last full week of October.  

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 highlighted the important role RTs play in supporting recovery from the long-haul effects of COVID-19.

This year’s theme is “Our Passion, Our Purpose.”  RTs have an unwavering commitment to keeping our lungs healthy and helping others to breathe easier.

For more information on WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, visit www.stj.net.