01/19/2010: Dixie Regional Medical Center/Laurali Noteman
"On October 15, 1990, congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The purpose of this Act is to provide compensation to individuals who have developed certain cancers and other serious illnesses as a result of above ground nuclear weapons testing or the uranium mining industry. The program is administered by the Department of Justice." Taken from Dixie Regional Medical Center’s (DRMC) RECA pamphlet.
There are five categories of claimants: Uranium miners, uranium millers, uranium ore transporters, downwinders and on-site participants.
"Downwinders must have lived in the covered counties for at least two years during 1951-1958, or the month of July of 1962. Miners must have been exposed to 40 or more working level months or worked at least one year from 1942-1971. Millers and ore transporters must have worked at least one year from 1942-1971. On-site participants must have participated during atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device.
Claimants must also have developed on of the specific cancers. Miners, millers, and ore transporters can also qualify with certain respiratory and kidney diseases. Not all cancers qualify under RECA." Taken from the RECA pamphlet.
RECA along with its sister program Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP), can help identify potential health problems related to the nuclear fallout or uranium exposure.
In the first RESEP clinic of 2010 DRMC, partnering with Kane County Hospital will be providing physical examination by a physician which will include basic labs and /or chest x-rays if evidence warrrants.
"Are you a Downwinder? If so, the answers to several important questions about RESEP could have a significant impact on your future." taken from DRMC RESEP pamphlet.
The RESEP clinic will be held February 9, 2010 at Kane County Clinic. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment for the clinic please call (435) 688-5990.
