Radiation Exposure Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Screening and Education

Program (RESEP)Program (RESEP)

RESEP Grantee MeetingVanessa Hooker, B.A.

September 1, 2009

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration

Office of Rural Health Policy

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATIONAUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

1990 the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was established to provide compensation to individuals diagnosed with radiogenic cancer and disease.

2000 the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) amended Subpart I of Part C, Title IV of the Public Health Service Act to add section 417C.

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION (cont’d.)AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION (cont’d.)

Section 417C established grants for Education, Prevention, and Early Detection of Radiogenic Cancers and Diseases.

In 2002 HRSA developed and implemented the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP).

PURPOSEPURPOSE

To assist individuals exposed to radiation through employment in the uranium mining industry or the testing of nuclear weapons.

Identify, prevent, and receive compensation for illnesses that have resulted from these activities.

Program ObjectivesProgram Objectives

Outreach (Dissemination of Public Information)

Cancer Screening Education Referrals for Medical

Treatment RECA Eligibility Counseling

High Impact StatesHigh Impact States

• The program awards grants to health care providers in the 12 states most affected by employment in the uranium mining industry or the testing of nuclear weapons.

• The grantees serve individuals exposed to radiation and help them establish eligibility for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program.

Target PopulationTarget Population

• Uranium industry workers

– miners, millworkers and ore transporters)

• Downwinders”

Lived or worked near the Nevada Test Site during the atmospheric detonation of nuclear weapons

• On-site participants

– Participated onsite during atmospheric detonation of a nuclear test device

Underground Uranium MiningUnderground Uranium Mining

• Uranium Mine workers

Program InformationProgram Information

There are 7 RESEP Clinics in 5 states.(Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah)

North Country HealthCare University of Nevada School of MedicineFlagstaff, AZ Las Vegas, NV

National Jewish Health Utah Navajo Health SystemDenver, CO Montezuma Creek, UT

University of New Mexico Dixie Regional Medical CenterAlbuquerque, NM St. George, UT

Northern Navajo Medical CenterShiprock, NM

National Jewish Health, Denver, CO

University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM

Northern Navajo Medical CenterShiprock, NM

Dixie Regional Medical CenterSt. George, UT

University of Nevada Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada

North Country Health SystemFlagstaff, AZ

Utah Navajo Health SystemsMontezuma Creek, UT

RESEP CentersRESEP Centers

Program ActivitiesProgram Activities

• Performance Improvement Management System (PIMS) Data Reporting

• Temporary transfer of CO grantee to National Jewish Health.

• Strengthening Collaborations with the Department of Labor

Program PartnersProgram Partners

• U.S. Department of JusticeRadiation Exposure Compensation Act Programhttp://www.usdoj.gov/civil/torts/const/reca/index.htm

• U.S. Department of LaborRECA/EEOICPA for Uranium Workers http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp/energy/index.htm

RESEP Program ContactRESEP Program Contact

Vanessa HookerRESEP Program Coordinator301-594-5105vhooker@hrsa.gov

Website: http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/radiationexposure/