WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials will begin offering free mobile health screenings for coal miners this month as part of a national program aimed at detecting black lung disease in its early stages.
What This Means for You
- Free, confidential screenings will be offered to current and former coal miners from March through May.
- Screenings include chest X-rays, breathing tests, blood pressure checks, and health questionnaires.
- Mobile clinics will visit communities in West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
The screenings are part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program, a federal initiative designed to monitor and protect the respiratory health of coal miners.
Mobile Clinics Bring Testing to Mining Communities
Now in its 21st year, the program uses a mobile testing unit that travels to mining communities to provide on-site health evaluations.
The screenings are designed to identify black lung disease — a chronic lung condition caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. The disease can cause severe breathing problems and permanent lung damage but can often be managed more effectively when detected early.
All coal miners are eligible to participate, including current miners, former miners, underground workers, surface miners, and contractors.
“America’s coal miners work hard and sacrifice to keep our nation running,” said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. “These confidential, free screenings are an important way we can protect their health and reduce their risk of lung disease.”
What the Screening Includes
The mobile health evaluation typically takes about 30 minutes and includes several medical assessments.
Participants complete a questionnaire about their work history and respiratory health. They also receive a chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and a breathing test known as spirometry, which measures how well the lungs move air.
Results from the screening are confidential and are typically provided to participants within about 12 weeks.
How to Participate
Appointments are recommended but walk-in visits are also accepted.
Miners interested in scheduling a screening can call 1-888-480-4042 or email cwhsp@cdc.gov.
Screening locations, dates, and times are available online at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp/screenings/index.html
More information about the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program is available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp/about/index.html
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