July 12, 2007

Asthma Course Heads to North Carolina in August
The AARC's popular Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course will be traveling to Charlotte, NC, on August 25-26. Click on the link to learn more about the course and how it can help you become the asthma expert in your facility and earn the Asthma Educator-Certified credential at the same time.

Get the Latest Information on Indoor Asthma Triggers
Learn all that you can to help your patients avoid indoor asthma triggers. A free, three-credit CRCE course on the AARC's website gives you the latest information. The course, a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Respiratory Care Foundation, is the best tool out there for learning more on this subject.

HHS to Provide Job Protection to RTs Who Volunteer for Disaster Program
Respiratory therapists who sign on to the Department of Health and Human Service's disaster program will now be assured of job protection under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) benefits provided to National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team members. The change comes from a recent decision by the government to move the NDMS back under the purview of HHS. The program had previously been housed in the Department of Homeland Security.

The Greatest Show in Respiratory Care
Visit the largest respiratory care Exhibit Hall in the world at AARC Congress 2007 this December for an unprecedented one-stop opportunity to evaluate and compare all the products, services, and solutions that are most important to you. Everyone who's anyone in the field will be there, ready to demonstrate the latest advances available today and answer your questions. It's a “buying show” too, so you can even purchase products and take advantage of onsite exhibitor promotions. Explore this unique opportunity and all the other benefits AARC Congress 2007 has to offer.

Former AARC President Gerald K. Dolan Dies
The AARC is mourning the loss of its 1988 president, Gerald K. Dolan. Dolan passed away earlier this month after suffering a heart attack. He will be remembered by his colleagues for his dedication to the profession.

AARC Supports Cigarette Tax Hike
The Senate Finance Committee is considering legislation that would boost the per pack tax on cigarettes by 61 cents. The move, which is being made to help fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program, is also expected to significantly cut youth and adult smoking, and the AARC and its partners in the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are urging support.

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