August 2026 · President’s Letter
Dear Illinois Respiratory Therapists,
August marks the beginning of an exciting season for Respiratory Care in Illinois as we kick off a robust fall schedule of conferences and educational opportunities this week in my hometown of Decatur. I am honored to be part of a distinguished lineup of speakers and educators coming together to support our profession.
🎤 Chapters 1 & 3 Collaborative Conference — Decatur
Please join us for the Chapters 1 & 3 Collaborative Conference in Decatur on August 6th! Online registration ends this Wednesday, so pre-register as soon as possible — on-site registration will also be available the morning of the event.
- 7:30 AM: Registration, Check-in, Continental Breakfast
- 8:00 AM–12:15 PM: Morning sessions with Sean Blaum, John Scaggs, Gina Hoots & Patrick Sylvester
- 1:00–2:45 PM: ISRC President Update & Joe Omo-Osaige on Implicit Bias Awareness
- 3:00–5:00 PM: Afternoon sessions with Stephanie Manuel, Mary Beth Cregger & Sondra Schaffer
🏅 Awards & Recognition
As we look to celebrate excellence within our field, we encourage you to nominate deserving Respiratory Care Practitioners, Students, and Legacy Therapists from your departments and communities. Please submit your nominees as soon as possible, as the nomination period closes on September 1. The committee will ask for additional information as needed.
🎓 Welcoming New Students
Alongside these professional gatherings, we also turn our attention to the next generation of caregivers. This month, we welcome a new cohort of Respiratory Therapy students as they begin their journey into this vital profession. Many of us remember the mix of excitement and uncertainty we felt when first entering the field; I encourage everyone to greet these students with enthusiasm, as our mentorship today helps shape the future of Respiratory Care.
🎙️ Share Your Voice — Speak at a Chapter Event
As we expand our educational reach across the state, I particularly want to encourage those who may be new to public speaking. If you have a topic you are passionate about, or a unique experience to share, please reach out to your chapter chair. Local organizers are always seeking fresh voices and new ideas. You have perspectives that our profession needs to hear.
🚀 Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, October will be a true celebration of our field. Plans are currently underway for a month-long extravaganza filled with both educational opportunities and social events across the state. We look forward to celebrating the impact Respiratory Therapists make every day.
Our momentum continues into November at the AARC International Congress in New Orleans. Illinois will be proudly represented as our ISRC Membership Committee presents their abstract on membership engagement — a wonderful opportunity to showcase the innovation and leadership happening within our state on an international stage.
This growth is also paving the way for Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapy (APRT), a transformative movement within our profession. Illinois is preparing for this exciting next chapter, with legislative activities beginning later this year to establish the necessary framework.
📅 Upcoming Events
- Sept 3: Quarterly Board Meeting, 5:30–7:00 PM
Meeting info is available through AARC Connect’s Illinois group, or contact us to be added to the invite list at illinois.src@gmail.com
🤝 Get Involved
That future does not happen by chance — it is built when Respiratory Therapists step forward, get involved, and advocate for the profession they believe in. I want to recognize the many volunteers, committee members, educators, and leaders who dedicate their time and energy to strengthening Respiratory Care in Illinois.
If you have not been involved with the ISRC recently, this is an ideal time to reconnect. Whether you attend an event, join a committee, or simply share your ideas, there is a place for everyone in our community.
👕 ISRC Swag
ISRC Swag is available at all live events or can be ordered online. Your support through these purchases directly benefits our society’s initiatives.
Thank you for everything you do for your patients, your teams, your students, and our profession. It continues to be my honor to serve as your ISRC President. I am inspired every day by the dedication, compassion, and innovation of Illinois Respiratory Therapists.
With appreciation,
Gina Hoots, MSEd, RRT, RPFT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, CCSH, CHC
President, Illinois Society for Respiratory Care