Raskin Honors Respiratory Therapists

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 27, 2021)—Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (Maryland) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the significant contributions that respiratory therapists have made during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The introduction of the bipartisan resolution falls during National Respiratory Care Week and demonstrates Congress’s continued support for the exceptional respiratory therapists who live and work in our communities. Respiratory therapists are critical members of the COVID-19 care team and have faced significant hardships throughout the pandemic.  

“Respiratory therapists have saved countless lives over the course of the pandemic through their heroic efforts and self-sacrifice. They deserve our thanks and praise,” said Raskin. “The work that respiratory therapists carry out is essential to maintaining a strong health care system, and their contributions have become even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m introducing this resolution to bring attention to the crucial role respiratory therapists play in our country.” 

“The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is grateful to Representative Raskin for his recognition of the contributions respiratory therapists have made in saving the lives of the most vulnerable during the pandemic and to celebrate the contributions they make every day in caring for those with chronic respiratory disease,” said Sheri Tooley, president of the American Association for Respiratory Care. “Our motto is ‘Resilience, Strength and Hope.’ To introduce this resolution during National Respiratory Care Week is especially fitting since the invaluable contributions respiratory therapists bring to the health care system often go unrecognized. On behalf of the respiratory care profession, we thank you for introducing this important legislation.”

The resolution recognizes respiratory therapists’ work to care for patients in critical need during the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also recognizes respiratory therapists for the essential work they do every day to care for individuals who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.