WASHINGTON — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will receive nearly $1.8 million to fund clinics to benefit coal miners suffering from Black Lung Disease.
The funding for the Black Lung Coal Miner Clinics Program comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, cases of black lung disease are on the rise. A study conducted by the department found that of the miners who applied for benefits from the Federal Black Lung Program from 1970-2016, around half of the reports happened after 2000.
West Virginia's two U.S. Senators, Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., praised the additional funding.
"West Virginia’s miners have worked hard to produce the coal that has powered our nation and spurred economic growth for generation after generation," 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."
Manchin expressed a similar sentiment, saying that because the miners risk themselves to provide coal, they deserve the best treatment.
"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," Manchin said.