Press Releases

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded St. Charles Health Council Inc., located in Lee County, Virginia, a $1,122,356 grant. The funding supports the organization’s black lung clinic program. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southwest Virginia coal miners and their families benefit from specialized health services administered by clinics like those in St. Charles.

“This grant for nearly $1.2 million helps St. Charles Health Council Inc. continue its important work treating those affected by Black Lung Disease.” 

BACKGROUND

Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, or Black Lung, is a disease that impacts our nation’s miners. Miners who are diagnosed with the disease are entitled to certain federal monetary and medical benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Program.

Congressman Griffith has visited facilities in Southwest Virginia that treat black lung disease, including Stone Mountain Health Services Black Lung Clinic in St. Charles, Virginia.

In 2019 and 2020, Congressman Griffith waived onto hearings held by the House Committee on Education & the Workforce to discuss protecting black lung benefits.

Earlier this week, Congressman Griffith engaged with HHS Secretary Kennedy in a Health Subcommittee hearing. Congressman Griffith reiterated his support to work with the Administration to help fight black lung disease.

Congressman Griffith serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus.

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