Respiratory Care Week
Respiratory Care Week is observed October 25–31 in 2026. It recognizes respiratory therapists and other respiratory care professionals, while also drawing attention to the importance of breathing health. It’s a chance to learn what respiratory care involves and to thank the people who help patients breathe easier.
How Respiratory Care Week Started
The exact origin and founding details of Respiratory Care Week are not well documented. The American Association for Respiratory Care promotes the observance as a way to let communities, patients, and colleagues know how vital respiratory therapists are to patient care. The Association lists Respiratory Care Week as October 25–31 in 2026.
What Respiratory Care Professionals Do
Respiratory therapists are trained health care professionals who care for people with problems affecting breathing and the lungs. They may work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation settings, or patients’ homes. Their work can include helping patients use breathing treatments, supporting people who need oxygen or ventilators, and teaching patients how to manage respiratory conditions.
Respiratory care is not limited to emergencies. Therapists may help people before, during, and after medical procedures, support recovery from illness, and explain how to use respiratory equipment. They work as part of a care team, alongside doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. The specific services a therapist provides depend on their training, workplace, and a patient’s needs.
Breathing Health and Everyday Awareness
Breathing happens automatically, so it can be easy to take for granted. Respiratory Care Week offers a reminder that lung health matters at every age. Everyday choices such as avoiding tobacco smoke, following instructions for prescribed medicines, and asking a health professional about persistent breathing concerns can be part of caring for respiratory health.
The week is also an opportunity to recognize the skill and attention involved in respiratory care. Patients and families may rely on therapists to explain unfamiliar treatments, help them practice using equipment, and offer support during stressful moments. A simple thank-you can acknowledge the compassion and expertise these professionals bring to their work.
Ways to Celebrate Respiratory Care Week
- Thank a respiratory therapist. Share a note of appreciation with a therapist who has helped you or someone you care about.
- Learn about the profession. Explore reliable health-care resources to find out what respiratory therapists do and where they work.
- Share a breathing-health reminder. Encourage friends and family to talk with a qualified health professional about questions or concerns involving breathing.
- Support someone using respiratory equipment. Offer practical help, such as accompanying them to an appointment or listening as they discuss what they have learned from their care team.
- Ask before sharing health advice. Respiratory needs vary from person to person, so direct specific medical questions to a doctor, respiratory therapist, or other qualified professional.
This page is for general awareness and isn't medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
When is Respiratory Care Week?
Respiratory Care Week: Every year on the last Sunday of October.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | October 31 – November 6 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2028 | October 29 – November 4 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2029 | October 28 – November 3 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2030 | October 27 – November 2 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2031 | October 26 – November 1 | Sunday – Saturday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 25, 2026 · Last updated October 25, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Respiratory Care Week in 2027?
Respiratory Care Week is on Sunday, October 31, 2027. After that, it falls on Sunday, October 29, 2028. Every year on the last Sunday of October.
Is Respiratory Care Week a public holiday?
No. Respiratory Care Week is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did Respiratory Care Week start?
The exact origin and founding details of Respiratory Care Week are not well documented. The American Association for Respiratory Care promotes it to highlight the vital role respiratory therapists play in patient care.
What does Respiratory Care Week celebrate?
It recognizes respiratory therapists and other respiratory care professionals and raises awareness of breathing health. Respiratory therapists help people with breathing and lung problems, including by supporting breathing treatments and teaching patients to use respiratory equipment.
How can I celebrate Respiratory Care Week?
Thank a respiratory therapist, learn about the profession, or share a reminder to discuss breathing concerns with a qualified health professional. You can also offer practical support to someone using respiratory equipment.
Sources
✓ Date matches American Association for Respiratory Care: Respiratory Care Week (checked automatically on October 25, 2026).
