The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award $1,291,231 for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources for the Black Lung Coal Miner Clinics Program.
“Our coal miners have mined the coal that keeps our lights on, heats our homes, and powers our businesses,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “Every miner who suffers from black lung disease should receive the best possible treatment and medical care.”
Manchin said he was pleased to see the funding, as the health and safety of miners has always been one of West Virginia’s top priorities.
“We owe so much to our miners who have worked hard to power this country,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “That includes making sure those whose health has suffered in the process have the best medical resources available.”
She said the funding will help ensure the Black Lung Coal Miner Clinics Program can continue delivering critical services like screening, diagnosis, treatment and education that West Virginia miners rely on.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health and W.Va. state health officer, said currently more than 7,900 West Virginians are being served by black lung clinics across the state.
“Having additional resources for the WV Black Lung program helps to ensure these West Virginians will continue to have access to the necessary and appropriate Black Lung treatment in order to have a better quality of life, which is critical from a public health perspective,” Gupta said.
— Email: wholdren@register-herald.com and follow on Twitter @WendyHoldren
