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Respiratory Care Week

Breathe easy! It's Respiratory Care Week. Let's honor the unsung heroes who take care of our lungs and keep us breathing healthy and strong.

Sunday

25–31

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATELast Full Week in October (Sunday to Saturday)

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Breathe deep and let out a cheer for Respiratory Care Week beginning October 20! This annual event was first established in the 1980s by the American Association for Respiratory Care. Designed to recognize the enormous contributions of respiratory therapists and care professionals around the world, this is a week of celebration and education that you certainly won't want to miss. These incredible professionals are crucial in the care of patients with respiratory problems from asthma to COPD, performing essential medical procedures and providing life-saving treatment to patients when they need it most. With their dedicated efforts, they truly allow us to breathe easy. So join in as we honor these unsung heroes who keep us breathing healthy and strong!

TIMELINE

Respiratory Care Week Timeline

Origins of Respiratory Care Week

The American Association for Respiratory Care, in the 1980s, established the first annual Respiratory Care Week.

National Recognition

The celebration gains national importance as an opportunity for recognition and education around respiratory care.

Expansion of Educational Efforts

The week increasingly becomes a platform for educating the public on lung health and the role of respiratory care professionals.

Global Impact

Recognition of the event expands outside of the United States, highlighting the global impact of respiratory care.

COVID-19 & Respiratory Care

The importance of respiratory care professionals is even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their essential role in healthcare.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Respiratory Care Week

Organize a wellness walk

A wellness walk can be a great way to promote respiratory health. Gather friends, family, and community members for a brisk walk in a local park to appreciate the benefits of clean air and healthy lungs.

HOLD

Hold a "Breathing Awareness" workshop

Schedule a workshop on "breathing awareness." Showcase breathing exercises, share information on diseases like COPD and asthma, and provide tips on maintaining lung health. This can be an integral part of educating the public on the importance of respiratory care.

WRITE

Write "thank you" letters

Take the time to write "Thank you" notes to respiratory therapists and other medical professionals who take care of our precious lungs. Recognize their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they've made on patients' lives.

CREATE

Create an informational social media campaign

Use social media platforms to raise awareness about Respiratory Care Week. Share facts, statistics, and personal stories about the importance of lung health and the value of respiratory therapists.

HOST

Host a fundraiser

Arrange a fundraising event for a respiratory health charity or research organization. This could be anything from a bake sale to a sponsored run, and would provide a practical way to contribute to ongoing respiratory care and research.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Respiratory Care Week is Important

Opportunity to Support and Contribute

Respiratory Care Week offers a platform for everyone to support initiatives that focus on respiratory health. Whether it's participating in a wellness walk, attending an education workshop, or contributing to a fundraising event, this week provides many avenues to contribute and make a difference.

Appreciation for Respiratory Care Professionals

Respiratory Care Week provides an opportunity to appreciate the incredible work that respiratory therapists do every day. They play a vital role in managing and treating patients with respiratory issues, allowing them to breathe easier and live healthier lives.

Promotion of Respiratory Health Awareness

This week is not just about celebrating the professionals, it's also about extending awareness about respiratory health. It is a chance to promote important discussions about respiratory diseases, prevention strategies, and the importance of maintaining good lung health.

Related holidays

WED

Nov 2026

Awareness

World COPD Day

Breathe in a world of awareness on World COPD Day and learn about preventing, treating, and living with this lung disease. Let's breathe easier together!

Healthy Lung Month

It's Healthy Lung Month - take a deep breath and prioritize your lung health with exercise, clean air, and regular check-ups!

Lung Health Day

Take a breath of fresh air and show your support for Lung Health Day! Do something today to take care of your lungs and those around you.

Lung Health Awareness Month

Join us this November for Lung Health Awareness Month as we raise awareness and funds to support those affected by lung diseases. Breathe easy, breathe strong!

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