Celebrating Respiratory Care Week
We celebrate Local 1000’s respiratory therapists and the important work that they do

A dedicated group of Local 1000 members who provide lifesaving treatment under challenging conditions are being honored this week, along with thousands of their professional brothers and sisters across the nation.

This week is Respiratory Care Week. Our Respiratory Therapists work up and down the state in correctional facilities and state hospitals and deserve thanks for their efforts to help patients experience a healthier quality of life.

“Respiratory therapists provide comfort and care for patients by reducing suffering and recovery times,” says Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president. “This is really vital work.”

Respiratory therapists treat patients with heart or lung disorders, monitoring heart and lung function as well as giving treatment. They provide relief to patients with lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma and COPD as well as emergency care to victims of heart attack, stroke or shock.

These Local 1000-represented caregivers are covered by Bargaining Unit 20 along with our other medical and social services specialists.

“We’re proud to represent respiratory therapists,” says Rionna Jones, chair of Bargaining Unit 20. “They, along with all our other trained health specialists, help us provide the highest quality of care at state facilities.”