To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: Proclaiming October 25 to October 31, 2026 as Respiratory Care Week in Contra Costa County
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT resolution proclaiming October 25 to October 31, 2026 as Respiratory Care Week in Contra Costa County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
See resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 25 TO OCTOBER 31, 2026 AS RESPIRATORY CARE WEEK IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
WHEREAS, the third week of October is nationally recognized as Respiratory Care Week, offering an important opportunity to honor and highlight the vital role respiratory care practitioners play in advancing lung health and supporting overall patient well-being; and
WHEREAS, respiratory care practitioners are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive diagnostic testing, therapeutic interventions, and critical care management for individuals with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders, serving patients across the lifespan from premature infants requiring delicate respiratory support to adults and seniors with complex acute or chronic conditions; and
WHEREAS, these practitioners deliver essential care in ambulatory clinics, acute-care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health settings, and military medical facilities, ensuring continuity and excellence in respiratory care for diverse patient populations; and
WHEREAS, Respiratory Care Practitioners are present during significant moments in a person's life, from supporting the very first breath of medically fragile infants to providing skilled, compassionate care and comfort for patients and their families at the end of life; and
WHEREAS, respiratory care services are fundamental to modern medicine, providing life-sustaining support including ventilator management, airway clearance and maintenance, pulmonary diagnostics, emergency response, patient education, and rehabilitation that improve both immediate and long-term health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, beyond acute and critical care, the expertise of respiratory care practitioners strengthens the stability and preparedness of our communities, especially during public health emergencies and air quality events that can significantly impact respiratory health and well-being of Contra Costa County residents; and
WHEREAS, the compassion, humility, professionalism, and clinical expertise of respiratory care practitioners demonstrate a steadfast commitment to delivering safe, high-quality healthcare throughout Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, proclaiming Respiratory Care Week offers Contra Costa County an opportunity to express appreciation for these dedicated healthcare professionals and to raise awareness of the importance of respiratory health and access to quality respiratory care; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on this 20th of October, 2026, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims October 25 to October 31, 2026, as Respiratory Care Week in Contra Costa County, recognizing the expertise, dedication, and compassion of respiratory care practitioners and encouraging all residents to acknowledge their indispensable contributions to public health and their unwavering commitment to the patients and communities they serve.
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