Respiratory Care Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Respiratory Care Week (2025) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Respiratory Care Week is observed on October 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Respiratory Care Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you ought to know about Respiratory Care Week.

📅 What day is Respiratory Care Week 2025?

In 2025, Respiratory Care Week is on Monday, October 23rd. It is the 4th Monday in October; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about October 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Respiratory Care Week occurs annually from October 23-30, providing a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of respiratory health. During this week, medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists, dedicate their efforts to caring for patients who struggle with breathing difficulties caused by chronic illnesses like asthma. This observance, especially prominent in the United States and Canada, aims to raise awareness about the essential knowledge necessary to maintain optimal respiratory health and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals affected by respiratory conditions.

📜 Respiratory Care Week History

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the final full week of October as National Respiratory Therapy Week in response to the AARC’s request. The proclamation, issued on September 15, 1983, highlights the significance of this week by acknowledging the significant impact of chronic lung diseases on public health in the United States. With around 18 million Americans affected and almost 70,000 deaths annually, many of which are directly linked to cigarette smoking, these illnesses represent a major concern.

While cigarette smoking rates have decreased since then, a recent surge in vaping-related ailments has emerged as a new threat, particularly among younger smokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as of September 2019, nearly 1000 individuals have experienced respiratory discomfort due to this trend.

Respiratory Care Week aims not only to address the reduction of debilitating lung conditions like asthma and COPD but also to raise public awareness through panel discussions and special events. Additionally, it seeks to generate interest in the field of respiratory care and encourage individuals to pursue careers as respiratory therapists or other healthcare professionals in this field.

✅ Respiratory Care Week Facts

🔖 ​20 minutes max
Typically, adults are able to hold their breath for about half a minute to a minute. However, exceptionally skilled divers have the ability to remain underwater for as long as 20 minutes.

🔖 ​It’s complicated
The common cold, consisting of more than 200 viruses, is far from being a simple and straightforward illness.

🔖 ​You lose water when you breathe
Were you aware that when you inhale oxygen, you can lose approximately 0.59 fluid ounces of water per hour through your breath?

👍 Why Is Respiratory Care Week Important

Respiratory therapists treat people who have not just chronic respiratory problems but also those who have had heart attacks, strokes, or shock. It’s critical for all of us to understand how to maintain good respiratory health, and the knowledge we’re getting this week is a literal breath of fresh air.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy is becoming a popular career path. The Bureau predicts a 28% growth in the number of respiratory therapists between 2010 and 2020. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for specialized care will keep going up.

You can’t go wrong with respiratory therapy if you want a high-paying job that gives you the satisfaction of helping people. The national median pay in 2011 was more than $26 per hour, or $55,000 per year.

🙂 How To Observe Respiratory Care Week

⚡ Set up a display at your neighborhood library

⚡ Attend a health screening
Respiratory Care Week, organized by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), offers the opportunity to participate in free health tests and have conversations with respiratory therapists. This event includes various activities such as screenings, informative videos, and even yoga demonstrations. To find out if there is an event near you, it’s recommended to check with the AARC.

⚡ Organize a lunch-and-learn at work
Set up a vibrant exhibit to commemorate Respiratory Care Week. Include a table where you can talk with a respiratory therapist. Maybe the library will let you screen a movie. So use your creativity and be inventive so that we may all breathe comfortably. You can get more ideas by going to the AARC’s website and downloading their Respiratory Care Week planning guide.

📅 When is Respiratory Care Week?

See all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Respiratory Care Week. So be sure to check back soon.