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Why Your Support Matters

The MD/DC Society for Respiratory Care is a nonprofit professional organization run entirely by volunteers — practicing respiratory therapists, educators, and managers who give their time to advance the profession. Every dollar contributed goes directly toward programs and services that benefit respiratory care professionals and the communities they serve.

As a chartered affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the Society supports over 40 hospital respiratory care departments across Maryland and DC, connects students with 8 CoARC-accredited education programs in the region, and advocates for the profession at the state and federal level.

Respiratory therapists are essential frontline healthcare workers. They care for patients in ICUs, emergency departments, neonatal units, pulmonary labs, and at the bedside in communities from the Eastern Shore to western Maryland to the District of Columbia. Your support helps ensure these professionals have the education, advocacy, and resources they need.

How Your Donation Helps

Every contribution directly supports the respiratory care community in Maryland and DC.

Continuing Education

Fund continuing education programs, CEU opportunities, and the RCEC Site Authorization Program that enables hospitals across the region to offer accredited in-house education to their respiratory care staff.

Legislative Advocacy

Support the Society's active legislative work in Annapolis and Washington, DC — including retained representation before the Maryland General Assembly and AARC PACT advocacy on Capitol Hill for respiratory care and healthcare policy.

Professional Community

Help maintain the Managers & Leadership List Serve, the hospital directory connecting 40+ department contacts, and networking resources that keep respiratory care professionals across the region connected.

Conference by the Sea

Help fund the Society's annual educational and networking conference, which brings together respiratory care professionals from across Maryland and DC for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

Student & Career Support

Support pipelines that connect students at 8 CoARC-accredited programs with mentorship, employment postings, and professional guidance — helping grow the next generation of respiratory therapists in a field projected to grow 13–15% over the next decade.

Regional Reach

Help the Society serve all five chapters — Eastern, Central/Western, City (Baltimore), Capitol/Southern, and Northern — ensuring respiratory care professionals across every part of Maryland and DC have access to resources and representation.

The Impact in Our Community

Healthcare community

Maryland and DC are home to some of the nation's leading healthcare institutions — Johns Hopkins, MedStar, the University of Maryland Medical System, NIH, Walter Reed, and Children's National, among others. Respiratory therapists at these facilities and at community hospitals throughout the region are essential to patient care.

At the same time, rural and Eastern Shore hospitals face particularly acute staffing needs. The Society's work in connecting students with programs, posting employment opportunities, and advocating for workforce support legislation directly addresses these challenges.

By the Numbers

  • 40+ hospitals across Maryland and DC with respiratory care departments served by the Society's directory and networking resources
  • 8 CoARC-accredited programs in the region preparing the next generation of respiratory therapists
  • 13-member volunteer Board elected by membership, representing 5 geographic chapters
  • 13–15% projected job growth for respiratory therapists over the next decade, above the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • 5 active committees working on education, legislation, membership, conference planning, and federal advocacy

Every respiratory therapist who earns a credential, stays current on their CEUs, advocates for their patients, and connects with colleagues in this profession benefits from the work of organizations like the MD/DC Society. Your support makes this work possible.

Other Ways to Support the Profession

Financial contributions aren't the only way to make a difference.

Volunteer Your Time

The Society is run entirely by volunteers. Consider serving on the Board of Directors, joining a committee, or helping organize the annual Conference by the Sea.

Contact the Board to learn about current opportunities.

Join the AARC

Membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care strengthens the profession nationally and supports state affiliates like the MD/DC Society.

Learn about AARC membership

Advocate for Your Profession

Join the AARC Political Advocacy Contact Team (PACT) and participate in the annual gathering in Washington, DC to lobby Congressional representatives on healthcare and respiratory care issues.

Ask about PACT

Spread the Word

Share the Society's work with colleagues. Follow us on Facebook and encourage fellow respiratory care professionals in Maryland and DC to get involved.

Follow us on Facebook