Building and maintaining a stronger workforce: CLMA tackles the clinical laboratory staffing shortage

During the mid- to late 1990s, CLMA heard frequent comments and requests for help from its membership related to the problem of staffing their laboratories. As this information was collected and addressed on an individual basis, CLMA's leadership quickly realized the potential impact such staffing shortages would have on both its membership and the clinical laboratory industry. As this issue has eclipsed our health-care horizon, CLMA has developed and participated in a variety of activities to address the staffing shortage, from coalitions and committees to surveys and seminars. This article highlights some ways in which our association has created strategies and sources to help its membership and the industry at large avoid the crisis.