Kirkwood’s 2nd Annual Haunted Hospital to raise funds for respiratory students

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Kirkwood Community College Respiratory Therapy Club will host the second annual Haunted Hospital on Saturday, October 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center on the institution’s main campus in Cedar Rapids.

The event is open to the public and transforms the simulation center into a haunted house with medical-style Halloween frights.

Funds raised will be used to support students in the college’s respiratory therapist program.

Haunted Hospital, which first opened last year, allows the community to interact with the program’s students, faculty and staff.

“The Haunted Hospital was very successful last year, especially because we didn’t know what to expect since it was our first time,” said Respiratory Therapist Program Manager Liliana Hoffnagle. “It was great to receive such great support from Kirkwood faculty and staff,” and alumni and community members last October. We are pleased to be able to host the event again this year. This time it is taking place during Respiratory Care Week, which makes it extra special as we celebrate our profession.”

Last year, the Haunted Hospital raised nearly $500 by having students and staff dress up as zombies and other undead creatures to create a haunted experience in the simulation center’s healthcare area.

The Respiratory Therapy Club hopes the event will have an even greater impact in 2024.

“The more funds we raise, the more support we can provide to our students in the program,” Hoffnagle said. “If we can help reduce the cost of their education, they can focus more of their efforts on working toward their degree, graduating, and entering the workforce.”