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Black Lung Clinics Program

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Program Overview
The Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-239), as amended February 27, 1985, reinstated the authority of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support clinics to evaluate and treat coal miners with respiratory impairments. Administrative jurisdiction for this authority, designated as the Black Lung Clinics Program, was delegated by the Secretary to the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The overall goal of the program is to provide services to minimize the effects of respiratory impairments in coal miners and others with occupational related respiratory disease. The program provides funding to public and private non-profit entities for the operation of clinics that provide diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of active and retired coal miners with respiratory and pulmonary impairments.

The program provides grants to 15 public and private non-profit organizations, which provide specialized diagnosis and treatment services. Grantee clinics also provide educational programs to help respiratory disease patients and their families cope with their disease, improve their breathing and endurance, and improve the quality of their lives.

CFR Part 55a is available in PDF format. You will need the Acrobat Reader software, free from Adobe, to view this file.

Eligibility
Eligible organizations are existing grantees or new organizations, including any state or public or private entity that proposes to serve the same areas or populations currently being served by the existing clinics.

Eligibility requirements for individuals seeking services
The Black Lung Clinics Program grantees provide for individuals seeking outreach, educational and counseling services, and medical screening, treatment and diagnosis for themselves and family members. Services are available to patients regardless of their ability to pay. The link to the “Black Lung Program Grantees” lists clinic locations.

Resources

Links
Department of Labor
Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation Program

Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Program Contact
Kristi Martinsen
HRSA, Office of Rural Health Policy
Telephone: (301) 594-4438
Fax: (301) 443-2803
Email: kmartinsen@hrsa.go

  


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