US Department of Labor to host town hall meetings in Moab, Utah, on June 24 and 25 to assist nuclear weapons workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will host two town hall meetings on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25, in Moab, Utah, to provide the public with information about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act and the medical benefits available under the program. The EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to workers who became ill as a result of working in the nuclear weapons and uranium mining industries.

Staff members in the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation's Denver district office, part of the department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, will present an overview of the EEOICPA and discuss specific information concerning home health care services, the Privacy Act, and how to better serve EEOICPA claimants.

Staff members in DEEOIC's Denver district office and Espanola resource center will also be available before and after each presentation to assist individuals with the filing of new claims under the EEOICPA and provide claimants with status updates on their existing EEOICPA claims.

The mission of the EEOICPA includes delivering benefits to certain Section 5 uranium workers covered under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. Uranium workers who received a $100,000 award under Section 5 of RECA are eligible to receive an additional lump sum compensation award in the amount of $50,000 and medical benefits under Part B of the EEOICPA for the same illness. Uranium workers who developed an illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances while working at a Section 5 RECA facility may also be eligible for federal compensation and medical benefits under Part E of the EEOICPA.

To date, $180.8 million in EEOICPA compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 1,886 claimants living in Utah; $685.3 million has been paid to 6,668 claimants living in Colorado, and more than $10.5 billion has been paid nationwide. For additional information about the upcoming town hall meetings or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the Espanola resource center toll-free at 866-272-3622. These meetings are open to the public and pre-registration is not required. The information presented on each day will be the same. Space is limited and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

PRESENTATION DATES/TIMES:Tuesday, June 24, 9 a.m., MDT Wednesday, June 25, 9 a.m., MDT

DISTRICT OFFICE & RESOURCE CENTER STAFF HOURS:8:30 a.m. to noon & 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Star Hall 159 E. Center St. Moab, Utah 84532