Downwinders Compensation Program Law Extended Two Years – Informational Meetings Offered for Individuals Affected by Exposure

This week, President Biden and Congress extended coverage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to help the more than 60,000 individuals and their families affected by atmospheric nuclear testing and uranium industry employment.

The RESEP (Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program) clinic at Intermountain Healthcare is holding public meetings June 28, 29, and 30 to assist affected downwinders in the RECA program, compensation process and requirements. 

Experts will answer questions about the program and its requirements, including RECA compensation ($50,000 for qualifying downwinders) and the recent deadline extension. Information will be available and assistance provided to start the compensation process for those who qualify.

• 5 pm, Tuesday, June 28, at the St. George Cancer Center Precision Genomics Auditorium 600 S. Medical Center Drive, Building 7
• 5 pm, Wednesday, June 29, at the Veyo Water Department Building 176 S Spanish Trail Dr, 
• 2 pm, Thursday, June 30, at the Kanab Public Library, 374 North Main Street
• 6 pm, Thursday, June 30, at the Hurricane Public Library, 36 South 300 West

Qualifying cancers include: 

• Leukemia
• Multiple Myeloma
• Lymphomas, other than Hodgkin’s 
• Primary cancers of the: pharynx, small intestine, salivary gland, brain, stomach, urinary bladder, colon, thyroid, pancreas, female or male breast, esophagus, bile ducts, liver, gall bladder, lung and ovary.

The term “downwinder” is used to describe those people who were exposed to radioactive fallout in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah during the nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site in the 1950’s and 1962. 

“We are pleased that the president and Congress would continue support downwinders and uranium workers that were unknowingly exposed because of nuclear testing or jobs in uranium mining and refinement,” said Becky Barlow, Intermountain Healthcare RECA Program director. “This two-year extension gives more opportunity for individuals who qualify and have been diagnosed with certain cancers to start the process of receiving compensation. We encourage individuals to reach out to the RECA program or attend one of our public meetings to learn more about their eligibility.”

For details and information, please see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/medical-specialties/cancer-care/personalized-holistic-care/education-centers/ or call 435-251-4760.

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