August 3, 2006

Career Advancement and More Come with the AE-C
Thinking about taking the asthma educator-certified exam? We have seven great reasons why you should — plus a terrific way to help you prepare: the AARC's Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course! The course will be coming to Nashville , TN , August 26-27. The deadline for hotel reservations is August 4; the deadline for course registration is August 14. Or check out the options coming up in St. Louis (September) and Orlando (October). Register Online Today!

Summer Bulletins Online Now
Members of the AARC's 10 Specialty Sections have lots of new information at their fingertips. All 10 sections have just published their third quarter online Bulletins. Not a section member? Click on the link to see what you've been missing — and how to sign up.

RT Student Gets a Head Start on Political Issues
Respiratory therapy student Zach Gantt may just be starting his studies in the profession, but he's already ahead of the game when it comes to promoting our legislative concerns. Zach (son of AARC members Gene and Tracey Gantt) is currently working in the Senate campaign of Congressman Harold Ford, using the opportunity to educate the legislator on key respiratory concerns, including the need for a national coverage policy for mechanical ventilation in the post-acute setting.

CRCE Through the Journal Up and Running Now
It's that time of year again — your opportunity to earn six CRCE contact hours for just $15 via our annual CRCE Through the Journal program. Find out how to take advantage of this great program from your professional association. Members have until October 1 to earn the CRCEs.

HHS Disaster Program Trains RTs, But More are Needed
The Department of Health and Human Services trained the first group of 36 respiratory therapists recruited for a new disaster response program in Phoenix , AZ , last month. But more RTs are needed: HHS hopes to enlist 200 therapists into the program. Learn more about it, then consider filling out the online application.

The 25th Celebration of National Respiratory Care Week is October 22-28
Join us for the 25th celebration of this special week honoring the respiratory care profession and help increase awareness of lung health issues in your community. Click on the link for great information on RC Week, along with links to ideas, public relations tools, and more. You can also download The Respiratory Catalog for 2006 to see new products that celebrate and educate. Look for the early bird special! Place an order for $50 or more by September 1 and receive a discount of 10 percent on your total order. Applies to phone, fax, and mail orders. (Meeting/course registrations, CRCE Online, Professor's Rounds, online store orders, and shipping are specifically excluded.)

RTs Treat Victims of Chicago Transit Fire
When fire erupted on the Chicago subway system recently, respiratory therapists played a key role in treating the victims. Read AARC member Audrea Hardwicks' account of the day and how RTs rose to the occasion to help.

New Asthma Guideline Available
Looking for new resources on asthma? The AARC has posted a direct link to the American Academy of Allergy , Asthma, and Immunology's new guideline, “Attaining Optimal Asthma Control: A Practice Parameter.” The take home message: asthma patients should be assessed each time they visit their health care provider to facilitate proper control of the disease.  

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