Making it Easier for Miners to Get the Health Care They Need

Coming from a mining community in West Virginia, I’ve seen firsthand how too many miners struggle to get the care they need for health problems caused by unnecessary exposure to occupational hazards. This was true when I was growing up and it’s still true today: miners and their families face a variety of challenges in accessing critical care and support services.

The good news is that it’s now easier than ever for miners to find a healthcare facility able to serve their unique needs. I’m proud to announce a new tool my team has created that helps miners search for nearby care options. Currently on MSHA.gov – and soon to be available within the Miner Safety & Health App – anyone can use our Health Resource Locator Tool to find:

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Certified B-Readers
• Black Lung clinics
• Buprenorphine providers
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• Drug and alcohol facilities
• Federally qualified health centers
• Mental health facilities
• Veterans Administration healthcare facilities

Miners choose a search criterion – mine name or mine identification number, or city, state or ZIP code – and the locator will return results, shown in a list and on a map with contact information for each facility, within the selected search distance. They can sort the list alphabetically or by distance. MSHA continually updates the resource information to make sure miners have real-time access to the facilities, services, and specialists they need.

We’re also working with our colleagues in the Office of Workers’ Compensation programs, NIOSH, the VA, and other agencies to get the word out about the benefits and services available to miners.

At the Mine Safety and Health Administration, we recognize the critical importance of addressing health matters within the mining community, and we’re proud to offer this new resource that will support miners’ well-being and enhance their quality of life.

• Try the Health Resource Locator Tool on the web today.
• Learn about MSHA’s Miner Health Matters Initiative.

Chris Williamson is the assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. Follow MSHA on Twitter/X and Facebook.