July 26, 2007

PR Makes a Difference, August Issue Shows You How
Read your August AARC Times, in the mail right now. In this issue we cover all the great public relations activities that raise awareness of the profession and how respiratory therapists who play a role in lung health initiatives elevate the profession. One campaign covered is the NHLBI's COPD Awareness program. Think about how you can use the tools included with the program by visiting our Respiratory Care Week website.

Summer Meetings Sizzle with Excitement
The AARC's Summer Meetings are now history -- all the events took place last week in Reno/Lake Tahoe – but our recap provides everyone with a great look at what happened and how attendees benefited from everything from the traditional Summer Forum to the first ever opportunity to witness a Journal Conference in action.

Did you go to the meetings? Then enter your continuing education credits here .

Are You an RC Idol?  
The AARC has an exciting new feature coming up at this year's Congress in Orlando – open auditions for new speakers for the 2008 Congress in Anaheim. The idea is to open up the meeting to folks who have never lectured at the Congress before, and ideas for lecture topics are only as limited as your own imagination. Applications for the auditions are being accepted now.

Deadlines Approaching for NC Asthma Course
If you're heading to Charlotte, NC, for the latest session of the AARC's popular Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course on August 25-26, two important deadlines are in your immediate future. Wednesday, August 1 is your last chance for Early Bird registration discounts (pre-registration is required). Friday, August 3 is the deadline to make hotel reservations. After that date, rooms and discounted rates will be available based on availability only.

Scholarship Set Up to Honor Dolan's Memory
In our last edition of News Now we told you about the untimely death of former AARC President Gerald K. Dolan. We've just updated the story with new information on a new scholarship being set up to honor his memory by the Lambda Beta National Honor Society. Click on the link to find out how you can contribute to this worthwhile endeavor.

Why Our Home Care Section May Be For You
Home Care Section Chair Joan Kohorst shares the great benefits of belonging to the AARC's Home Care Section and urges everyone who has an interest in ensuring high quality respiratory home care for patients to sign up.

Florida Members Host Booth at HOSA
AARC members in Florida represented the profession at the recent Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) meeting in Orlando, FL. Jeff Ludy and his crew got the chance to visit with students – and most especially, their high school instructors – about the great career opportunities available in the field.

Federal Funding Issues Moving Forward
The AARC has been urging support for several key respiratory-related issues in the federal budget – including enhanced research funding for sleep – and now those efforts are paying off. Congress has now moved forward on several of the initiatives, and the Association is hopeful of a positive outcome as the House and Senate negotiate the final bill.

Comments or questions? Send them to info@aarc.org.