MSHA releases tool to help miners with health care searches

Arlington, VA — A new web tool from the Mine Safety and Health Administration is intended to assist miners and their families with locating health care providers and resources.

Unveiled March 6, the tool allows users to locate multiple types of health care facilities and specialists, including:

• NIOSH-certified B Readers for chest radiographs
• Black lung clinics
• Buprenorphine providers
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• Drug and alcohol treatment facilities
• Federally qualified health centers
• Mental health facilities
• Veterans Affairs health care facilities

In a press release, MSHA head Chris Williamson said the tool “provides miners with a single accessible place where they can obtain real-time information on health care facilities, services and specialists tailored to their unique health needs.”

Williamson added: “Miners face many potential health challenges, whether because of disabling injuries, occupational illnesses like silicosis and black lung disease, or obstacles to finding quality mental health care. MSHA’s Miner Health Matters initiative encourages miners to get regular health screenings and maintain awareness about their health, and this tool makes that easier by placing information directly in miners’ hands.”