CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Oct. 16, 2024)–Kirkwood Community College’s Respiratory Therapy Club will host the Second Annual Haunted Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center on the institution’s main campus in Cedar Rapids. Open to the public, the event will transform the simulation center into a haunted house featuring medical-themed Halloween scares. Funds raised will go to support students in the Respiratory Therapist program.
Debuting last year with great success, the Haunted Hospital serves as a unique fundraiser that gives the community an opportunity to engage with the program’s students, faculty, and staff in a creative and entertaining way. In addition to the usual ghouls and goblins, this year’s event will also feature a special guest appearance by Kirkwood’s mascot Sammy the Eagle, adding an extra element of fun for attendees.
Respiratory Therapist Program Director Liliana Hoffnagle expressed her excitement about the event as it heads into its second year.
“The Haunted Hospital was very successful last year, especially since we didn’t know what to expect with it being our first time,” said Hoffnagle. “It was great to have such awesome support from Kirkwood faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as community members last October. We’re excited to host the event again this year. This time, it’s happening during Respiratory Care Week, which makes it extra special as we celebrate our profession.”
Last year’s Haunted Hospital raised nearly $500, with students and staff dressing as zombies and other undead creatures to create a haunted experience within the simulation center’s healthcare setting. The Respiratory Therapy Club hopes the event will make an even bigger impact in 2024.
“The more funds we raise, the more assistance we can give to our students in the program,” said Hoffnagle. “If we can help cut the cost of their educational expenses, then they can focus more of their efforts on working toward their degree, graduating, and entering the workforce.”
For more information about the Respiratory Therapist program at Kirkwood, go to www.kirkwood.edu/respiratorytherapist.
*****EVENT*****
What: The Kirkwood Community College Respiratory Therapy Club’s Second Annual Haunted Hospital
Where: The Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center, located in Linn Hall on Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Who can attend: The event is open to the public