CDC Launches New Office of Laboratory Systems and Response

The CDC recently approved a reorganization plan creating the new Office of Laboratory Systems and Response (OLSR), merging several key laboratory divisions. This move elevates the role of CDC, public health, and clinical laboratories, recognizing them as core public health infrastructure. The OLSR, led by Dr. Ren Salerno, will support laboratory quality, safety, informatics, workforce and response readiness, with a goal to foster greater cross-agency collaboration.

For laboratory professionals, this reorganization will mean more streamlined operations and consistent communication with CDC leadership, which will further integrate public health laboratories and clinical partners into a cohesive national network. The OLSR’s unified structure is expected to improve coordination during health crises, ensuring laboratories are well-prepared for threats ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to hazardous exposures.

Laboratory professionals are encouraged to stay engaged with the CDC as the OLSR strengthens its partnerships across federal, public, and clinical sectors to ensure public health protection.