(October 29, 2020/ Valhalla, NY)- Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R, C, Ref-Mahopac) met with respiratory care professionals and administrative staff from Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY to present a legislative resolution proclaiming October 25-31, 2020 as “Respiratory Care Week” in the State of New York. On hand to receive the resolution were Thomas Harvie, RRT/CPFT Director for Respiratory Care at Northeast Center for Rehabilitation and Brian Injury and President of New York State Society for Respiratory Care; Kristina Schrull-Valiente, Senior Director of Respiratory, Pulmonary, Neurophysiology & Sleep Center Services; and several other respiratory therapists, medical and administrative staff.Respiratory Care Week encourages awareness about lung diseases like COPD and asthma to the community while also building the desire in others to enter the respiratory care profession.
“It is important to raise awareness for lung health and to honor our frontline workers for their tireless efforts during this pandemic,” said Byrne. “This year’s respiratory care theme is Changing the World One Breath at a Time, and this has been exemplified by the efforts of respiratory health professionals in New York. It’s always important to recognize our amazing healthcare professionals, but this year considering the dangers and challenges they face from COVID-19 it’s more important than ever to honor these extraordinary men and women.”
“We are very honored to have received this resolution recognizing Respiratory Care Week in the State of New York,”Thomas Harvie said. “We would like to thank Assemblyman Byrne as well as his colleagues in the New York State Assembly for the recognition of the work of our respiratory staff.”
“On behalf of the respiratory therapists at the WMC health network, it means a tremendous amount to be recognized by the State of New York and we thank Assemblyman Byrne for his work supporting healthcare workers” said Kristina Schrull-Valiente.
Read a copy of the resolution (K940) here