In December, Michele DaSilva, BA, RRT was appointed to the NJ Department of Health Task Force on NJ Task Force on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Michele joins John Rutkowski, another respiratory therapist, who was appointed in October 2016. Other task force members include the Commissioners of Health and Human Services, a member of the Senate and one member of the General Assembly, two public members who represent the health care industry in the state, and five public members appointed by the Governor.
The purpose of the task force is to conduct an investigation on, and study strategies to promote public awareness about, the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, in order to increase knowledge about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, effective prevention strategies, and disease management.
