CHWC brought together Respiratory Therapy (RT) leaders from hospital systems, training providers, and other relevant stakeholders in Cook County and the collar counties to examine the workforce shortage and co-design solutions to increase the number of respiratory therapists in our region, resulting in improved patient care and community health.

The morning featured presentations and panel discussions designed to provide attendees with a clear understanding of the Respiratory Therapy workforce shortage in the Chicagoland region. After lunch, attendees joined discussion-focused breakout rooms focused on 1. how to increase the number of individuals applying for Respiratory Therapy training programs, 2. how to increase the number of individuals completing Respiratory Therapy training programs, and 3. how to increase the number of Respiratory Therapists staying in the field and advancing.

Access the slide decks from plenary sessions HERE.

Access the data overview sheet, including data collected from nearly half of our region’s hospitals HERE.

Stay tuned for our co-developed strategic plan with objectives and working groups. (should be added by Thanksgiving)

Thank you to our generous sponsors! 

• Presenting Sponsors: Clasp, American Association for Respiratory Care
• Platinum Sponsors: Rush, Ascension, Advocate Health Care
• Gold Sponsors: Dräger, The National Board for Respiratory Care, Malcolm X College, Origami Works Foundation, Monaghan Medical Corporation
• Silver Sponsor: Loyola Medicine, RML Specialty Hospital

To get involved, or ask questions, contact April at april@chihealthworks.com.