April German, MLS(ASCP)CM, Westgard Sigma-QM, ASCLS Political Action Committee Chair
During my recent visit to Washington, D.C., I learned a lot about not only how a bill is created and passed, but also how important it is to build relationships with legislators and their staff. Participating in those one-on-one interactions sets the stage to foster valuable connections that ultimately benefit our profession. As I walked all over Capitol Hill for two days, meeting with staff members, I began to gain a better understanding of our government’s legislative procedure. Through this exercise, I developed an appreciation for the significance of our role as citizens, taxpayers, and the power of our vote.
How do we give power to our voice; how do we make that happen?
By being many, by showing up, and yes, by donating our hard-earned resources to the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). In politics, two things matter: votes and money. You may be asking, how do your donations directly benefit our profession? Donations to campaigns from PACs or individuals will not change any legislator’s vote, but those donations do allow our profession to support lawmakers who support our key positions and assists in their reelection efforts. By supporting those who are champions for our causes in Congress, we advance our leverage in shaping policies that directly impact our work environment.
Consider Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC), who introduced the Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act (H.R. 9849) on September 25, 2024. Her commitment to sponsoring H.R. 9849 underscores the significance of financially backing leaders who champion our vision. In the political arena and legislative boardrooms, it’s our collective influence that shapes decisions about funding and policy, amplifying our voice when it matters most.
How does this bill benefit me? How will this bill impact our profession and alleviate the burnout I’m experiencing?
Currently, many students are being turned away from MLS and MLT programs due to limited enrollment capacity. This bill would provide grants to educational institutions, allowing them to expand their programs. Additionally, the bill aims to include our profession in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) program, which provides resources, such as loan repayment assistance to graduates who work in underserved communities.
One thing is certain for our profession: we must secure a well-deserved place at the table. Loan repayment assistance through the NHSC serves as a financial incentive for healthcare professionals, and if H.R.9849 passes, medical laboratory professionals will finally become eligible for this vital program. Through online education, individuals in underserved areas would have a viable financial path to improve their livelihoods without being overwhelmed by loan repayment plans. I spoke with a staff member who mentioned that the program has struggled to benefit underserved communities due to higher-paying jobs in larger institutions. To that, I say, let’s prove them wrong! Medical laboratory professionals are the backbone of diagnostic testing and play a crucial role in every community. It is vital that we are given the same opportunities and advantages as other healthcare professions.
However, without the support of Congress and widespread co-sponsorship, this legislation may not reach its full potential. By donating to the ASCLS PAC, we will in turn provide financial backing to candidates and members of Congress who advocate for policies that benefit our profession. By securing legislative co-sponsorship of key bills like H.R. 9849, we guarantee our voice has power. Consider your investment in the PAC as an investment in the future of our field and, in turn, an investment in yourself.
There are several ways to donate:
- When you join or renew your ASCLS membership – donate here.
- Donate at your state or local ASCLS constituency meeting.
This is just one example of how pooling our resources to support the ASCLS PAC in turn supports our profession. By increasing our donations, we gain more backing for the professional advancements we all seek, better pay, and improved working conditions. When we stand together, we can achieve anything.
April German is Principal Consultant at Lab Connections in Joplin, Missouri.
