We are excited and proud to announce that the South Carolina for Respiratory Care (SCSRC) is the 2020 recipient for the AARC’s prestigious Summit Award. This honor reflects our state’s efforts and achievements in promoting professionalism and growth in the field of respiratory care. To be considered for this esteemed annual award, a state affiliate of the AARC must submit a nomination that outlines and provides supporting documentation showing their activities related to seven specific categories:

• Educational activities
• Membership and recruiting
• Legislation/Advocacy
• Promoting public awareness
• Benefits to members
• Collaboration with other health care organizations
• Student activities

We thank everyone who supported, volunteered and advocated for the respiratory care professional and provided the opportunity to demonstrate our activities in the seven categories while supporting the SCSRC members, patients and students. The last few years have shown many challenges, from inclement weather to fighting a pandemic, yet we continue to shine and excel in our endeavors.

The SCSRC President, Dr. Jerry Alewine accepted the Summit award and shared his excitement and sentiments on the efforts behind receiving this distinction:

“On behalf of the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care and all respiratory therapists in South Carolina, I graciously accept the 2020 Summit Award. As is well appreciated, these past few months have been a very difficult time for healthcare, and in particular, the respiratory therapist. Through it all, we have continued as a profession, thrived as individuals, and will forever be recognized as vital in the fight against the devastation that is COVID-19.

To have been awarded the Summit Award, the diligence and commitment of our respiratory therapist has been recognized. They have endured a pandemic and remained consistent in their demand for exceptional care and the promotion of professionalism. This unique year that will be historically remembered as a time of great confusion, emotional turmoil, and unrelenting chaos that has allowed the profession of respiratory therapy to be spotlighted in a way as never before.

Having the pleasure of serving as president of the SCSRC, I am humbled and thankful for the dedication of the respiratory therapists in the state of South Carolina. Accepting this award, I do so solely as president but by no means the reason for this recognition. I accept on behalf of a state of dedicated professionals that work each day for the care of the patients we serve, promotion of the profession of respiratory therapy, and the commitment to excellence.

Again, thank you AARC and may each of you be blessed with a better day.”

Jerry A Alewine EdD, RRT
President of the SCSRC

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2020… LETTERS OF REFERENCE/RECOMMENDATION ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS [LL/TL]. APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE. IF YOU HAVE A RCP LL/TL APPLICATION PENDING, WE WILL UPDATE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION CHECKLIST TO SHOW THAT YOUR REFERENCES ARE NOT PENDING. PLEASE CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS ONLINE FOR OTHER PENDING ITEMS.

On behalf of the SCSRC Board of Directors and the Election Committee we would like to thank everyone that took part in this process. We would also like to say congratulations and welcome to the incoming 2021 Board members. The results of the election are as follows:

Greetings from the SCSRC Executive Committee and Board of Directors,

The elections process for the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (SCSRC) Executive Officers and Board of Directors positions is now open. The ballot will be open August 7th-September 9th. Please take time to navigate to the voting area at https://scsrcadmin.simplyvoting.com/. Your voting ID and your password is your AARC member number. You must be an active AARC member to vote. Your support and opinion are crucial to form a collective body of individuals to support and promote our practice and profession in the state of South Carolina. The future and direction of our profession relies on your input and support.

Please vote and show your support for Respiratory Care in South Carolina and create an evolving and vibrant future.
Important: Please note that the SCSRC elections process is not related to AARC processes; if you need assistance with casting your vote, please send an e-mail to elections@scsrc.org. We respectfully ask that you not reach out to the AARC with questions related to this ballot or voting procedures.

Below is the list of candidates. Please navigate to https://scsrcadmin.simplyvoting.com/ and enter your AARC member number for both your voting ID and password to find details on your candidates and to cast your ballot.

With heavy hearts, the Program Committee has made the decision to cancel the 2020 SCSRC Annual Conference. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 and the uncertainty of the increasing number of cases, the SCSRC has determined hosting the annual conference could be potentially dangerous to the practitioners attending the event. The committee has worked tirelessly for the past several months, along with the Hilton hotel, to explore options and modify the agenda to adhere to social distancing guidelines; however, we feel with the number of cases on the rise it would be irresponsible to move forward with a live conference. We are exploring the possibilities of hosting some virtual events in the future. In the meantime, please visit the AARC links listed below if you are seeking educational opportunities. There is not a better time to renew/join AARC than now!

Membership- https://www.aarc.org/aarc-membership/member-services/join-renew/

AARC 2020 live- https://www.aarc.org/aarc-meetings/live-2020/

Free to AARC members- Including 3 upcoming Live Webinars

On behalf of the SCSRC and the program committee, I would like to thank all the practitioners, speakers and exhibitors for your willingness to support the SCSRC and your understanding during this difficult and unusual time.

Refunds will be issued within the next 5-10 business days. Any hotel reservation made under the SCSRC hotel block will be cancelled by the Hilton. If you did not book under the hotel block (Expedia, Groupon, etc.) please make sure that you cancel your reservation.

Respectfully submitted,
Holly Lever, RRT, RCP
SCSRC Vice President- Program Committee Chair