As we step into a new year, I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated volunteers in the NAACLS community who made 2024 such a productive and impactful year. Paired with our dedicated staff, we accomplished so much together, and I am grateful to those who choose to work alongside us. If you would like to revisit our achievements, please check out my December CEO Corner article for a full recap of our shared successes. https://naaclsnews.org/2024/12/10/reflecting-on-2024-raising-the-standard-for-growth/

Looking ahead, our focus to kick off 2025 is program advocacy. Over the years, program officials have consistently sought our guidance on advocating for increased resources and support. To address this need, we are excited to launch a comprehensive advocacy series, featuring thought-provoking articles, a dedicated session at the Clinical Laboratory Educator’s Conference, and an engaging Dr. NAACLS podcast. 

In this series, we’ll explore the strategies, challenges, and real-life stories that shape successful advocacy efforts. NAACLS volunteers will share valuable insights and practical advice tailored specifically for NAACLS Program Officials, equipping them with the tools and inspiration needed to elevate advocacy initiatives.

Kicking off the series, our first article, authored by Dr. Hassan Aziz, Dean and Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, will explore the different schools of thought on healthcare accreditation and analyze where NAACLS stands compared to other accrediting agencies. Drawing on Dr. Azis’s extensive experience with other accreditors, this discussion will provide a foundational understanding of differing accreditation approaches, setting the tone for deeper conversations in the series.

We also want to hear from you! If you have personal stories or proven strategies to share, please complete the following survey. Our goal is to highlight as many road-tested advocacy approaches as possible to enrich this series! If interested, please share responses by January 15th. https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8128833/NAACLS-Program-Advocacy-Survey

Through these efforts, we aim to empower Program Officials to champion their programs, secure the resources they need, and turn their visions into reality. Stay tuned and join us on this journey to transform ideas into impact!