According to the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), chronic lower respiratory 
diseases are the fourth leading 

cause of death in America – similar statistics  
hold true for Oregon and Umatilla and  
Morrow Counties.

With a gleam in their eye, spring in their step and 

a dream of improving the lives of those suffering 

from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 

(COPD), Good Shepherd Home Medical Equipment 

Respiratory Therapists saw the need of developing 

the Rural Respiratory Program.

8 | Community Connections | Winter 2019

Rural

Respiratory Care