BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –Currently in Alabama, there are 45 active coal mines, with 6,000 retired coal miners, and 3,500 active miners. These almost 10,000 miners have all been exposed to hazardous material that is damaging to the lungs, and can cause “Black Lung”, or, “any lung disease caused by breathing in coal dust”. Birmingham Health Care’s Black Lung Clinic offers active and retired coal miners the chance to be screened and tested for any of the lung diseases classified under the umbrella of black lung. Located at BHC’s Medical Plaza (1600 20th Street S.), the Black Lung clinic is the only U.S. Department of Labor certified facility in the state of Alabama that can provide disability determination screenings, and can counsel eligible coal miners and their families on available state and federal Black Lung benefits. With a respiratory therapist and benefit counselor on staff, BHC’s Black Lung clinic provides quality care for patients with this disease, works closely with the United Mine Workers of America and the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Fund to assist in linking the miners up with the appropriate legal help, and help these miners receive the compensation and help they deserve.
