April 23-29, 2023: Medical Laboratory Professional Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, laboratory professionals are scientists, technicians, histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, phlebotomists, pathology assistants, and pathologists; most have a two- or four-year degree, with the exception of phlebotomists, who only require a high school degree, and pathologists requiring a medical degree and residency; and,

WHEREAS, laboratory professionals aid in the discovery and diagnosis of various illnesses and diseases, help prepare and ensure blood products for transfusion, aid in the diagnosis of all types of cancers, identify bacterial and viral agents, provide suggestions for effective treatments, and aid patients by monitoring glucose and cholesterol to help maintain a healthy lifestyle; and,

WHEREAS, laboratory professionals were at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly developing testing and diagnostic methods that reached millions while maintaining regular laboratory functions; and,

WHEREAS, laboratory professionals have risen to every challenge to ensure that services such as testing and diagnostics remain available to patients across the state, despite an increased workload;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 23 – 29, 2023, as Medical Laboratory Professional Appreciation Week in Michigan. We thank the dedicated professionals behind the scenes for their dedicated service to our state and country.