Respiratory Care Week, observed annually during the last full week of October, highlights the critical work of respiratory therapists and promotes lung health awareness. This week is a vital opportunity to recognize healthcare professionals, educate the public on breathing difficulties, and support initiatives for better respiratory care. Take a moment to appreciate those who help us breathe easier and learn how to protect your own lung health.
Want to sponsor Respiratory Care Week? Learn how
Expected Respiratory Care Week Deals
As a Cause holiday, Respiratory Care Week focuses on awareness, education, and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the American Lung Association often host events, webinars, and donation drives to support research and patient care. Many healthcare systems may offer free lung health screenings or educational seminars during this week. Corporations like Philips and ResMed, leaders in respiratory devices, might partner with non-profits for matching gift programs or sponsor educational content. Look for local hospitals and clinics to share patient stories and highlight their respiratory therapy teams. We will update this page with specific awareness campaigns and fundraising opportunities as October approaches.
Platform Guide for Respiratory Care Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RespiratoryCareWeek. Share stories of respiratory therapists making a difference or highlight innovations in lung health.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RespiratoryCareWeek. Share educational infographics on lung health or host a live Q&A with a respiratory therapist.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #RespiratoryCareWeek. Join conversations about policy changes affecting respiratory care or share statistics on lung disease prevention.
Respiratory Care Week Hero
Dr. Robert A. Bageant
History of Respiratory Care Week
It took almost 40 years for Respiratory Care Week to become a vehicle to raise awareness about respiratory illnesses and why we need trained respiratory therapists in the healthcare industry. In 1943, Dr. Edwin Levine established a no-frills inhalation program at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. This program provided on-the-job-training for respiratory therapists to assist post-surgical patients with their respiratory needs. By 1973, the organizations involved in this work became today’s American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Driven by the AARC, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation declaring the last full week in October as National Respiratory Therapy Week. The proclamation on September 15, 1983 spells out why this week is so important. “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 rates today aren’t nearly as huge as it was 36 years ago, the current rash of vaping or e-cigarette illnesses has replaced cigarettes as a new culprit affecting younger smokers. (In fact, as of September, 2019; the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are reporting just under 1000 people are suffering from respiratory distress due to this new fad.)
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 devoted to panel discussions and special events to help raise public awareness about what they can do to reduce devastating lung conditions. Additionally, this week is designed 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.
Respiratory Care Week timeline
They entered an on-the-job-training program for post-operative patients at Michael Reese Hospital.
The American Registry of Inhalation Therapists (ARIT) was assembled to supervise a new credentialing examination.
He proclaimed the first National Respiratory Care Week in the U.S.
The American Association for Respiratory Care kicked off the first Lung Health Day to take place on the Wednesday of National Respiratory Care Week.
Vermont supported the profession by becoming the 48th state to pass a credentialing law.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Respiratory Care Week
Local healthcare providers, medical supply companies, and pharmacies can celebrate Respiratory Care Week by highlighting their respiratory services and products. Consider hosting free lung health screenings, educational workshops on asthma or COPD management, or offering discounts on nebulizers and oxygen supplies. Restaurants might offer special deals for respiratory therapists, while community centers could host walks or runs to benefit lung health charities. Partner with local clinics to share patient success stories, emphasizing the vital role of respiratory care in the community.
Respiratory Care Week FAQs
When is Respiratory Care Week?
In 2026, Respiratory Care Week runs Monday, October 19 through Sunday, October 25. This week-long observance is a dedicated time to honor respiratory therapists and raise awareness for lung health.
How many people work as respiratory therapists in the U.S.?
As of 2023, there were approximately 130,000 respiratory therapists employed in the United States, a number projected to grow significantly. These dedicated professionals work across various healthcare settings, from hospitals to home care, providing essential breathing support.
What are common respiratory conditions treated by therapists?
Respiratory therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). They also provide critical care for premature infants with underdeveloped lungs.
What is the role of a respiratory therapist?
Respiratory therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. They administer oxygen, manage ventilators, perform diagnostic tests, and educate patients on lung health.
How to Observe Respiratory Care Week
Attend a health screening
Respiratory Care Week allows you to get a free health screening and talk with a respiratory therapist. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) sponsors Respiratory Care Week and they have a variety of festivals with free screenings, films, and even yoga demonstrations. Check with the AARC for an event in your community.
Organize a lunch-and-learn at work
Send out some emails, print up some flyers and announce a lunch-and-learn for your coworkers. Your nearby hospital can probably suggest a respiratory therapist who can stop by and chat about respiratory care and even shout out the respiratory therapist profession. It's a great mix-and-mingle during lunch!
Set up a display at your neighborhood library
Take the initiative and set up a colorful display for Respiratory Care Week. Include a table for chats with a respiratory therapist. Maybe the library will allow you to show a film. Use your imagination and show how creative you can be so that we can all breathe easier. For more Respiratory Care Week ideas, go to the AARC’s website and download their planning guide.
5 Bizarre Facts About Your Breath
You lose water when you breathe
Did you know that when you inhale you take in oxygen, but when you exhale, you lose up to 0.59 fluid ounces of water per hour?
20 minutes max
Adults can hold their breath between 30 and 60 seconds, but some experienced divers can go as long as 20 minutes when they're underwater.
It's complicated
There's nothing simple about the common cold which is comprised of over 200 viruses.
The Egyptians created a lung hieroglyph
The ancient Egyptians were so knowledgeable about the internal body that they devised a hieroglyph depicting the lungs attached to the windpipe.
Asthma was considered psychomatic
During the 1930s and 1940s asthmatics sought treatment from psychotherapists.
Why Respiratory Care Week is Important
It promotes respiratory health
Respiratory therapists care for people not only with chronic breathing conditions, but also those who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, or shock. It's very important for all of us to know how to keep our respiratory health in top condition, and the information we get this week is a literal breath of fresh air.
The field is growing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy is becoming a desirable field. The Bureau estimates that between 2010 and 2020, there will be a 28% increase in the number of respiratory therapists. The growth won't let up as aging Baby Boomers need more specialized care.
Respiratory therapy pays well
If you're looking for a high-paying career that will give you the satisfaction of helping others, you can't go wrong with respiratory therapy. In 2011, the national median wage was over $26 per hour or $55,000 per year.
Respiratory Care Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 19–25 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Respiratory Care Week
Individuals
Creators
Brands