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Respiratory Care Week

RC Week Proclamation

Mayoral or gubernatorial proclamations are a unique promotion idea that requires little time to obtain but has significant benefits. Elected public officials or school officials generally welcome the opportunity to participate in such events. Procedures for arranging a proclamation signing ceremony vary among states, cities and schools. A general outline is given below:

Arranging a proclamation signing

  • Obtain the telephone number of the mayor or governor’s office or search online to see if there is an email or form that needs to be submitted.
  • Request the proclamation as far in advance as possible. Be flexible in setting a date for a proclamation signing.
  • When you call the official’s office, say that you wish to talk to someone about requesting the mayor or governor sign a proclamation.
  • Introduce yourself and include your name, title, and employer. Please tell the person: “Respiratory Care Week will be observed nationally, Oct. 25–31, 2026. I would like to ask the (mayor/ governor), to sign a proclamation designating that week as Respiratory Care Recognition Week in this (city/state). Would it be possible to send a letter or email explaining the week and provide suggested wording for a proclamation? If so, can you please provide me with the proper address and email.”
  • Mark a date on your calendar (about two weeks in the future) to follow up if you have not had a response. When the person responds, offer to meet with the person in advance of the signing.
  • Once a date has been set, determine whether newspapers, TV, or radio stations will be contacted by their office. If not, invite the media to attend. Prepare press releases and background information on RC Week to be distributed to the media, either in advance of the ceremony or at the actual signing.
  • If the governor or mayor’s official photographer is not present, request that one of your members take pictures. Send the photos to AARC at marketing@aarc.org and share on social media tagging the photo with #RCWeek2026.
  • After the ceremony, send a thank-you note to the (mayor/governor), as well as the person who helped arrange the signing. This helps to establish a future relationship.

Respiratory Care Week icon

Dear (name):

Respiratory Care Week will be observed nationally on Oct. 25–31, 2026. This week recognizes the contributions of respiratory care professionals whose efforts help our nation breath better every day.

I am the Respiratory Care Week Coordinator for (state/city/district). I am writing today to request the week of Oct. 25–31, to be officially recognized in (state/city). I am requesting that

(mayor/governor) participate in a ceremony at (his/her) office to sign a proclamation declaring a celebration of the week.

The wording for a suggested proclamation is linked here. I have also included a schedule close to the actual week during which it would be appropriate to hold the ceremony.

Please let me know if this schedule includes a convenient time for the (mayor/governor). I look forward to hearing from you regarding the approval of the proclamation and a reserved day and time for the signing. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I appreciate your interest. Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Address)
(Telephone number)

WHEREAS ,the health of all Americans depends upon educated minds and trained hands; and

WHEREAS, the practice of modern medicine at the exacting standards we now enjoy would be impossible without the work performed daily in respiratory care; and

WHEREAS, these multi-skilled professionals help create a professional and comforting atmosphere for patients by offering them guidance and support, and

WHEREAS, through this dedication respiratory therapists of the United States have made a vital contribution to the quality of health care

NOW THEREFORE, I, (name), Mayor/Governor of the (City, State) of (name), do hereby proclaim the week of Oct. 25–31, 2026 as: Respiratory Care Week and urge all citizens to recognize and support the vital work of respiratory therapists for the benefit of all citizens

IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the (city/state) of (name), to be affixed this (day) of (month), 2026