Calhoun Opens Innovative Respiratory Therapy Lab to Meet North Alabama's Urgent Healthcare Needs

Huntsville, AL — Today, Calhoun Community College officially opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art Respiratory Therapy Lab on the Huntsville campus during a special Open House event, celebrating the launch of its first Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Respiratory Therapy program. This initiative marks a major milestone for the college and for North Alabama as it directly addresses the region’s growing need for respiratory therapists and the increasing number of patients affected by acute conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pneumonia.

The event coincided with Respiratory Care Week (October 19–25, 2025), a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about respiratory health and honoring the contributions of respiratory therapists who care for patients with both chronic and acute respiratory conditions.

North Alabama consistently ranks among the most challenging regions in the nation for pollen, allergies, and respiratory distress. According to the American Lung Association, Alabama is among the states with the highest rates of COPD in the country. State data show that 9.4 percent of adults, approximately 369,369 people, have been diagnosed with COPD, leading to more than 3,200 deaths and 338,000 lost workdays each year, at a cost exceeding $543 million in healthcare expenses.

For Emily Russell, Calhoun’s Director of Clinical Education, the launch of the program represents a deeply personal and professional achievement. “What excites me about Calhoun launching its first Respiratory Therapy Program is the chance to help shape the future of a profession that has meant so much to me personally,” said Russell. “Respiratory therapists play an essential role in patient care, and by establishing this program at Calhoun, we are not only preparing the next generation of therapists but also directly serving the needs of our community.”

Calhoun’s new program directly responds to this need. The accelerated five-semester curriculum, developed in partnership with more than 20 local healthcare employers, prepares students for high-demand careers in respiratory care. The college also announced plans to expand and renovate additional space on the Huntsville campus to build an even larger lab, further enhancing hands-on training opportunities with industry-standard equipment and real-world simulations.

“This program represents a major step forward in meeting the urgent need for trained respiratory therapy professionals throughout our region,” said Christy Goodwin, Respiratory Therapy Program Director. “Our graduates will help people breathe easier, literally. From asthma and COPD to allergy season and critical care, respiratory therapists save lives every day.”

Both Russell and Goodwin hold Asthma Educator-Certified (AE-C) credentials, allowing them to integrate strong patient education into Calhoun’s curriculum. “The AE-C credential emphasizes teaching strategies,” Russell explained. “It helps our students not only manage pulmonary diseases but also educate and empower their patients. By blending these skills into our instruction, we are developing professionals who can truly improve outcomes.”

The Respiratory Therapy Program recently earned provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) following a rigorous two-year process that involved curriculum development, lab construction, and collaboration with clinical partners.
“This program is both a solution and an opportunity,” said Wes Rakestraw, Vice President of Academics. “We are preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves our communities. When our students succeed, our entire region breathes easier.”

Goodwin, who serves on the American Association for Respiratory Care International Committee, emphasized the global and local importance of advocacy in the field. “Advocacy is critical because it ensures our voices are heard, our expertise is recognized, and our profession continues to grow,” she said, reflecting on her experience meeting with Alabama Representative Dale Strong in Washington, D.C., to advance respiratory therapy initiatives.

Looking ahead, both instructors are optimistic about the program’s future and its impact on the community. “I want to continue building a program that helps students feel confident in their ability to provide high-quality care and make a meaningful difference,” said Russell. Goodwin added, “We hope to see our students become leaders and advocates within their healthcare teams, inspiring others and advancing the profession across North Alabama.”

To learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program at Calhoun, visit calhoun.edu/respiratory.

For all media inquiries, please contact Calhoun’s Public Relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.