Anne L. Tate, MBA, MHI, MLS(ASCP), SC, ASCLS-Montana President-Elect
I have been reflecting on how we can transform advocacy into a powerful movement. There are pivotal moments that can ignite this kind of change, and for me, one such moment was attending the annual ASCLS Labvocate Symposium in Washington, D.C.
On October 1, 2024, I returned to the Labvocate Symposium, and once again, I was deeply inspired. My respect and admiration for the legislative process have grown tremendously through these experiences. Each interaction at the symposium reinforced the vital role we all play in shaping our healthcare and the landscape of clinical laboratories.
The journey to the Labvocate Symposium begins long before the event itself. In August, I prepared my advocacy points, drawing insights from my constituent society and the ASCLS Labvocate website. I reached out to my state senators and house representatives, crafting emails that conveyed the importance of our message and included links to essential ASCLS documents.
Despite the hectic climate of an election year, I was delighted to see that every one of my Montana state legislators responded. We arranged meetings for October 1 in D.C., where I had the privilege of sharing our laboratory legislative initiatives. The staff in these offices expressed genuine appreciation for the information I provided and demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the ASCLS society and the broader issues facing our clinical laboratories and how it impacts the state of Montana.
My in-person meetings were more than just discussions; they were opportunities for our political leaders to witness firsthand how vital the work of laboratorians is to the healthcare system. The availability of laboratory services is critical for the viability of hospital care and for patients in both short- and long-term care facilities across rural and urban areas of Montana. These moments of sharing essential information create the momentum that fuels meaningful movements, reinforcing the importance of our contributions to healthcare and underscoring the need for continued support and advocacy.
Advocacy: A Spark for Change
These experiences remind us that advocacy can indeed spark a movement. By engaging with our legislators and sharing our knowledge, we not only raise awareness but also foster meaningful connections that can lead to lasting change. Let’s harness the power of these moments and inspire others to join us on this journey. Together, we can turn advocacy into a movement that uplifts our communities and transforms our healthcare system for the better.
Now is the time to build on these moments and expand our coalition among the current ASCLS constituency. We need to inspire our ASCLS members, attract those interested in joining us, and welcome new laboratorians entering the field. Our goals are clear as we advocate for essential changes within our profession:
- Establish a Fair Laboratory Fee Schedule via the SALSA Act. This bipartisan initiative will create an equitable method for determining sustainable Medicare test fees for laboratories.
- Create funding for Laboratory Schools and Students. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced a bill that aims to include medical laboratory professionals in the National Health Service Corps, providing grants to accredited institutions to train the laboratory personnel we desperately need.
Join the Movement
So, what can you do to join this moment of advocacy? You have the power to make your voice heard on these critical laboratory issues. Consider taking these actions:
- Contribute to the ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC) to support these important initiatives:
- Contribute directly through the ASCLS website.
- Donate at your ASCLS constituent society meetings at the PAC table.
- Add your contribution when you renew your ASCLS membership.
- Volunteer as a Labvocate Ambassador for your state or local ASCLS constituency.
- Become an Observer or Board Member of the ASCLS PAC.
- Urge Your State House Members to co-sponsor The Medical Laboratory Personnel Relief Act. You will be able to send your House Member a message through the Labvocate Action Center.
Join me in creating your own moment in this advocacy journey. Let’s remember that these moments can spark a movement. By engaging with our legislators and sharing our expertise, we not only raise awareness but also build meaningful connections that can lead to transformative change.
Together, we can turn advocacy moments into a powerful movement that uplifts our communities and reshapes our healthcare system for the better. Let’s inspire one another and make a lasting impact!
Anne L. Tate is Principal of Talking Laboratories, Workflow, IT and Compliance/Regulatory Expert in Bigfork, Montana.
