In a tradition that began in 2011, the Respiratory Care Club held a bake sale honoring National Respiratory Care Week at NECC’s Lawrence campus. The event not only succeeded in pleasing one’s sweet tooth, but also served as a crucial platform to educate and raise awareness about respiratory health.
National Respiratory Care Week was established by former President Ronald Reagan in 1982, and to this day serves as a testament to respiratory care professionals’ contributions to the field. On its fifth anniversary Reagan delivered a speech acknowledging the evolution of life-saving technology and the dedicated workers who have transformed the field, commenting on how their contributions have revolutionized the health care system. He praised the recent advances, saying how progress “from the amazing capabilities of the first iron lungs to today’s use of computerized ventilators” have allowed health care workers in the field to “perform miracles,” Reagan said in a speech in 1987.
Since its inception, the bake sale has drawn inspiration from the movement started by Reagan and has continuously proven to be a success. With an array of sweet treats, the event draws in many people through word of mouth and curious interest. Funds raised go towards supporting the club’s pinning ceremony, raising their collective morale as they educate the public on a heavy topic.
Jomayra Orona, 27, Respiratory Care major at NECC and Respiratory Care club member, emphasized the importance of raising awareness, saying “respiratory care is not one of the first things people think about when it comes to health care; we want to change that.” The bake sale wasn’t just a showcase of sweet baked goods, but an interactive experience designed to illuminate the complexities of respiratory health. At the entrance of the main lobby, a large display was presented: two real pig lungs – one a healthy shade of pink, the other blue and disease ridden. Connected to the lungs was a machine simulating the motion of breath, demonstrating the stark contrast between the two and serving as a poignant visual of the impact of respiratory diseases. Jennifer Jackson, Professor and Program Director of Respiratory Care, watched her students expertly navigate the exhibit, demonstrating their enthusiasm and knowledge, saying “you won’t find people more passionate about a cause.”
The club members’ commitment to raising awareness about respiratory health was apparent, as Orona also took the opportunity to address a growing concern in respiratory health: vaping. She said, “Vaping is worse than smoking cigarettes. It introduces a lot of different chemicals into your lungs, like formaldehyde. That’s not to say smoking is good; it’s just the lesser of two evils.” Her assessment underscores the urgency of educating the public, especially the youth, about the risks of vaping. Through immersive exhibits and educational conversations, the club members brought the words of Reagan to life, affirming that “technology and human compassion continue to work miracles” (Reagan, AARC 30th Anniversary Speech, 1987) in respiratory care.
For further information and news on Respiratory Care, visit AARC.org
