T.J. Regional Health respiratory team earns recognition at state conference
TJ Regional Health’s respiratory care team earned statewide recognition at the Kentucky Society of Respiratory Care conference, with Melissa Downey named Kentucky’s Rising Star and Josh Wells-Hardy appointed to the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Members of the T.J. Regional Health Respiratory Department earned professional recognition and shared their expertise at the Kentucky Society of Respiratory Care conference in Bowling Green.
The “Making the Connection” conference was held Sept. 24-25 at the Sloan Convention Center, bringing together respiratory care professionals for education, networking and professional development.
Several T.J. Regional Health team members were recognized as award nominees. Debra Jennings was nominated for the Educator Award, while Jennifer Sargent and Anthony Keith were nominated for the Leadership Award.
Melissa Downey was selected as Kentucky’s Rising Star recipient, an honor recognizing an emerging respiratory therapist who demonstrates dedication and promise in the profession.
The conference also provided opportunities for T.J. Regional Health staff to share their knowledge with fellow respiratory care professionals. Crystal Shoopman participated in a panel discussion focused on workplace recruitment and retention.
Shoopman and Josh Wells-Hardy also presented a poster on the use of the Natus BrainWatch system by respiratory therapists in a tertiary health care setting.
In addition to the department’s conference accomplishments, Wells-Hardy has been appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care.
The seven-member board oversees the regulation of respiratory care practice in Kentucky, with a primary focus on protecting the public. Four of its voting members are practicing respiratory care practitioners, and members typically serve three-year terms.
Wells-Hardy said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve and looks forward to bringing the perspective of a practicing respiratory therapist to the board’s work.
“This is a tremendous honor for me, and I hope my appointment reflects the value of the work our entire respiratory care team does for our community,” Wells-Hardy said.
He also expressed appreciation for the governor’s appointment and the support of his colleagues at TJ Regional Health.
