National Respiratory Care Week, an annual event that recognizes the work of respiratory therapists and the importance of lung health, is set for October 25-31.

Sponsored by the American Association for Respiratory Care, this year's theme is Respiratory Care: There When You Need Us.

"Respiratory therapists provide the hands-on care that helps people recover from a wide range of medical conditions," said Tim Myers, RRT, 2009 AARC President. "As respiratory therapists, we are committed to delivering the best care for our patients. Whenever breathing is an issue, we are there when you need us."

The Citrus Memorial Respiratory Therapy Department will also be celebrating for another reason this year. They received Quality Respiratory Care Recognition this year under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals. About 15% of hospitals in the United States have received this award.

"I'm proud of the level of knowledge and skill that our Respiratory Therapists possess," said Becky Young, RRT, Manager of Respiratory Therapy at Citrus Memorial. "We are truly blessed to have a group so committed to their practice and so compassionate about providing healing care for our patients. We look forward to honoring these individuals during National Respiratory Care Week."