US Department of Labor hosting traveling resource centers in Grand Junction, Colo., and Moab, Utah, on June 10 and 11 to assist nuclear weapons workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will host a traveling resource center in Grand Junction, Colo., on Wednesday, June 10, and in Moab, Utah, on Thursday, June 11, 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 lump-sum compensation and medical benefits to current and former workers who became ill as a result of working in the nuclear weapons and uranium mining industries. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits.

At each traveling resource center, staff will present an overview of the EEOICPA. Discussion will include specific information concerning home health care services, the Privacy Act and how to better serve EEOICPA claimants. After the presentation, staff will be available to help individuals file new EEOICPA claims and provide claimants with status updates on existing 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, $758.5 million in EEOICPA compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 7,144 claimants living in Colorado, $194.3 million has been paid to 1,938 claimants living in Utah, and $11.4 billion has been paid nationwide.

For additional information about the upcoming traveling resource centers or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the Denver resource center toll-free at 866-540-4977. This event is open the public and pre-registration is not required. The information presented on each day will be the same. Service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

GRAND JUNCTION TRAVELING RESOURCE CENTER DETAILS:

PRESENTATION TIME:Wednesday, June 10 9 a.m. MDT

LOCATION:Colorado Mesa University 1455 12th St. Grand Junction, Colo. 81501

DISTRICT OFFICE & RESOURCE CENTER STAFF HOURS:10 a.m. to Noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. MDT

MOAB TRAVELING RESOURCE CENTER DETAILS:

PRESENTATION TIME:Thursday, June 11 9 a.m. MDT

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

DISTRICT OFFICE & RESOURCE CENTER STAFF HOURS: 10 a.m. to Noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. MDT