What You Should Know About
Plans for the Southwest Ventilation Program
Thousands of people in the Southwest depend on complex respiratory therapies to breathe. These individuals constitute a vulnerable population and include: adults with debilitating lung disease such as cystic fibrosis and advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); children born with rare disorders; and people of all ages with neuromuscular problems such as muscular dystrophy and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Thousands more will develop a need for breathing assistance as a result of disease, traumatic injuries and surgeries. Each individual and family situation is unique and each requires customized care and treatment.
Unfortunately, no comprehensive ventilation center exists in the region. As a result, some patients and families travel thousands of miles to centers across the country to receive necessary treatment and equipment training. Worse yet, some patients receive only "hit-or-miss," crisis-driven treatment and experience a lower quality of life, increased medical problems, and even early demise. Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and others who work with these patients also lack a regional resource center that could provide them with expert consultation and continuing education.
The Arizona Respiratory Center plans to fill this void by creating the Southwest Ventilation Program. The program will improve the lives of people with complex respiratory needs through research, education, and family-centered care using state-of-the-art technology and support services. Customized care and comprehensive treatment will be provided by a medical team including specially trained adult and pediatric physicians and nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, physical therapists and nutritionists. The Southwest Ventilation Program also will serve as a regional resource for medical professionals through consultation, training, research advances, and telemedicine services.
The Arizona Respiratory Center is seeking private contributions to help establish the Southwest Ventilation Program. To make a difference in the lives of people who depend on complex respiratory therapies to breathe, please contact:
Elizabeth Beckett Firmage
Center Administrator
Arizona Respiratory Center
PO Box 245030
Tucson, AZ 85724
Phone: (520) 626-7441
Email:liz@arc.arizona.edu
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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