Release
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will kick off the agency's annual mobile health screenings for coal miners this month. The federal program, in its 21st year, provides free, confidential screenings that support early detection of black lung disease, a serious but preventable condition caused by breathing coal mine dust.
This year's screenings will run from ...
**STEELMAN:** This initiative represents a commendable public health effort to address a preventable occupational disease. By bringing free, confidential screenings directly to mining communities, NIOSH reduces barriers to early detection, which is critical for improving health outcomes. The program’s longevity (21 years) and focus on accessibility—including walk-ins and mobile units—demonstrate a commitment to serving a high-risk population. The framing of black lung as a "preventable" conditio...