The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a grant of $1,122,356 to St. Charles Health Council Inc., located in Lee County, Virginia. This funding is intended to support the organization’s black lung clinic program.
U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith issued a statement regarding the grant: “Southwest Virginia coal miners and their families benefit from specialized health services administered by clinics like those in St. Charles.” He further stated, “This grant for nearly $1.2 million helps St. Charles Health Council Inc. continue its important work treating those affected by Black Lung Disease.”
Black lung disease, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, affects miners across the nation. Those diagnosed with this disease are eligible for federal monetary and medical benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Program.
Congressman Griffith has been actively involved in supporting facilities that treat black lung disease in Southwest Virginia, including Stone Mountain Health Services Black Lung Clinic in St. Charles, Virginia.
In 2019 and 2020, he participated in hearings held by the House Committee on Education & the Workforce focused on protecting black lung benefits.
Earlier this week, during a Health Subcommittee hearing with HHS Secretary Kennedy, Congressman Griffith reiterated his commitment to working with the Administration to combat black lung disease.
Griffith also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus.
