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Most of us do it every day without even thinking about it - we inhale, we exhale, we breathe. But a severe car accident, an illness or a birth defect could easily leave anyone gasping for air. That's when a respiratory therapist becomes a lifeline, and that's the message that faculty and students of the WC Respiratory Care program hope to impart next week as the College observes Respiratory Care Week Oct. 25-31. During Respiratory Care Week hospitals, schools and other institutions acknowledge the year-round efforts of respiratory therapists. In addition, many respiratory care departments have open houses, sponsor special activities for the public and perform community events. The WC Respiratory Care Club has scheduled information booths in the Doss Student Center Oct. 27, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and again Oct. 29, on the College library steps, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information about the respiratory care career field will be available. History of Respiratory Care WeekIn 1982, the American Association for Respiratory Therapy (later changed to American Association for Respiratory Care) officially designated the last week in October as Respiratory Care Week to draw national attention to the importance of lung health. The announcement came from the Oval Office when then-president Ronald Reagan supported the efforts of the organization. The event is in October because the fall is typically a time when patients suffering lung disease have difficulty breathing and may need help.
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