Black Lung Clinics Program

Background
The Black Lung Clinics Program (BLCP) is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD), commonly known as black lung disease.

The program provides funding to clinics that support active and retired coal miners through essential medical, outreach, educational, and benefits counseling services. The BLCP addresses the rising prevalence of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and its severe form, Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), particularly in central Appalachia, where over 20% of miners are affected.

Grant Details
The BLCP requires recipients to provide a range of services including:
- Medical services delivered by a board-certified physician with experience in respiratory diseases.
- Outreach services that deliver evidence-based information on risks associated with coal mine dust exposure.
- Educational services covering topics such as CWP resurgence and available medical services.
- Benefits counseling to assist miners in filing claims for federal black lung benefits, state worker’s compensation, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Additional requirements may include lung function testing, chest imaging, pulmonary rehabilitation, treatment for related conditions like COPD, and data collection for reporting purposes.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state or public/private entities such as public/private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations including small businesses, government entities at various levels, independent school districts, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community health centers, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), hospitals including Rural Emergency Hospitals, and Native American tribal governments and organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The period of performance spans five years from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030. Funding will be allocated in five 12-month budget periods.

Grant Value
The total expected funding available for FY 2025 is $12 million with up to 15 grants anticipated. The funding range per award varies by service area.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in designated service areas across various states including Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, among others.