June 05, 2018

Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $1.8 Million for Black Lung Clinics Program

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $1,786,069 in funding for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources for the Black Lung Coal Miner Clinics Program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Coal miners sacrifice a lot to keep our lights on, heat our homes, and power our businesses, including their own health. Miners who suffer from black lung deserve the best possible treatment and care and I’m glad black lung clinics in West Virginia will receive the funding they need to do just that. The health and safety of our miners has always been and will always be one of my top priorities. Please be assured that I will continue to fight alongside them for what they have earned and deserve,” Senator Manchin said.

“West Virginia’s miners have worked hard to produce the coal that has powered our nation and spurred economic growth for generation after generation,” Senator Capito said. “I have visited black lung clinics in West Virginia and met with miners and retired miners who suffer from this terrible illness, and I understand the importance of these clinics to many in our state. This funding will go a long way in making sure the Black Lung Coal Miner Clinics Program has the support it needs to continue delivering critical services like screening, diagnosis, treatment, and education that our miners rely on.”

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that black lung disease is on the rise. A study documenting miners who applied for benefits from the Federal Black Lung Program between 1970 and 2016 found that half of the 4,600 reports over those 46 years occurred after the year 2000.

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