WHEREAS, respiratory care practitioners are specialized healthcare providers that work therapeutically with patients suffering from conditions affecting their respiration or ability to breathe; and
WHEREAS, their expertise can help relieve distressing symptoms, restore normal lung capacity, and/or help patients conserve and make the best use of their remaining lung function; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly harsh impact on individuals with respiratory diseases and disorders, including those suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic conditions; and
WHEREAS, many of these disorders are presently incurable and many of the individuals affected by COVID-19 are hospitalized, requiring the specialized care of respiratory care practitioners utilizing mechanical ventilation, oxygen, and aerosolized medication to treat these afflictions; and
WHEREAS, respiratory care practitioners have been serving on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly for their patients, treating and caring for people of all ages and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to honor the vital work that respiratory care practitioners perform every single day, and their unrelenting sacrifice to ensure that all of our residents stay healthy and safe during these difficult times;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2022, as “RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.