AARC Election 2025 — Jim Lanoha

AARC Activities:

• AARC Elections Committee Chair 2012, 2015,2018 member 2010-2018
• AARC Bylaws Committee Member 2011 & 2012
• AARC Finance Committee Member 2021-2024
• AARC Budget and Audit Committee 2021-2024

HOD Activities:

• Treasurer 2021-2024
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Delegate, 1995-98; 2001-2020
• Chair Delegate Assistance Committee 2008 & 2010
• Member, Delegate Assistance Committee, 1997-98. 2001-2024
• Member, Resolutions Committee 2009-2020
• Member, HOD Bylaws Committee 2014 – 2016
• Member, HOD P&P Committee 2014 – 2018

Affiliate Activities:

• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care President, 1991, 1994 & 2000
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care President-elect, 1990,1993 & 1999;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Past President, 1992;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care President, Chapter VI, 1988-89;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Vice President, Chapter VI, 1986-87
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care; Chair, Educational Program Committee, 1988-2017;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Chair, Budget and Audit Committee, 1991 & 1994;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Chair, Legislative Committee, 1991-95;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Chair, Bylaws Committee 1998-99,
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member Bylaws Committee 2001-2015
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Chair, Nominations Committee, 1999;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Legislative Committee, 1988-90 & 1996-99;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Nominations Committee, 1995-96;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Budget and Audit Committee, 1990, 1992, 1993 & 1995; Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Elections Committee, 1990 & 1993;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Judicial Committee, 1991 & 1994;
• Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care Member, Public Relations Committee, 1991 & 1994.

Related Organizations:

• Tri-State Respiratory Care Conference, Chair,1996, 1999, 2002, 2013, 2016, 2020
• Tri-State Respiratory Care Conference, BOD Member,1992-Present
• Honorary Life BOD Member, Tri-State Respiratory Care Conference 2017
• Member, Board of Directors, Louisiana Lung Association, 1991-1997

Education:

• AS, RRT, College of St. Mary, Omaha, NE, 1979.

Elections Committee Questions:

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the AARC, and what do you recommend to address it?

One of the significant challenges facing the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) could be adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare policies, technologies, and patient needs. To address this challenge, the AARC could focus on several key strategies:

• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: This involves proactive lobbying efforts to ensure that respiratory therapists are recognized and valued within the healthcare system.
• Education and Training: Enhance educational programs and resources to keep respiratory therapists updated with the latest advancements in technology, treatment modalities, and patient care techniques.
• Research and Innovation: Encouraging collaboration between academia, industry partners, and healthcare providers can lead to the development of innovative solutions and improved patient outcomes.

Healthcare is changing more rapidly than ever. What ideas do you have to help today’s respiratory therapist meet these changes?

Advocating for respiratory care professionals involves several key strategies aimed at promoting professional development, and ensuring they have the resources needed to provide high-quality care to patients. Work to address workforce shortages and promote recruitment and retention of respiratory care professionals. This may involve advocating for competitive salaries, improved working conditions, and recognition of the essential role respiratory therapists play in healthcare. Advocate for increased access to education and training programs for respiratory care professionals. Advocate for increased funding for respiratory research and innovation to advance the field and improve patient care outcomes. Engage with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for policies that support respiratory care professionals and the patients they serve.

Your role as Director-at Large is to represent the general AARC membership. If given the opportunity to represent, what will be your strategy in advocating for the everyday respiratory care professional?

I’d start by actively listening to the concerns, challenges, and aspirations of respiratory care professionals. Conducting surveys, organizing focus groups, and maintaining open channels of communication would help gather insights into their experiences.

Ensuring that respiratory care professionals receive fair compensation and benefits for their work is essential for attracting and retaining talent in the field. This involves advocating for competitive salaries, benefits packages, and recognition of their specialized skills and expertise.

Overall, my strategy would revolve around amplifying the voices of respiratory care professionals, advocating for their needs and priorities, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to create a supportive and empowering environment for their professional growth and success.