NIOSH Launches Annual Mobile Health Screenings for Coal Miners

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has launched its 2026 circuit of mobile health screenings for coal miners. The federal program, now in its 21st year, is designed to facilitate the early detection of black lung disease.

Black lung is a serious but preventable condition caused by the inhalation of coal mine dust. By bringing diagnostic services directly into mining communities, NIOSH aims to identify the disease in its early stages to prevent more severe health outcomes for workers.

Program Scope and Eligibility

The 2026 screenings are scheduled to run from March through May 2026. The program provides free and confidential screenings to a wide range of industry workers to ensure comprehensive coverage of the mining population.

Eligibility for the screenings extends to all coal miners, including those who are currently employed or former workers. The program is open to individuals who worked in underground or surface mines, as well as those who performed work under contract.

America’s coal miners work hard and sacrifice to keep our nation running. These confidential, free screenings are an important way we can protect their health and reduce their risk of lung disease

John Howard, M.D., NIOSH Director

Screening Process and Diagnostics

The screenings are conducted within a state-of-the-art mobile testing unit. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is confidential by law.

The comprehensive health evaluation consists of several diagnostic components:

• A review of the miner’s work history
• A respiratory questionnaire
• A chest X-ray
• A blood pressure screening
• A spirometry breathing test

Following the appointment, miners will receive their health results in approximately 12 weeks.

If black lung is caught early, we can help prevent serious health outcomes, which is why This proves so important that we bring these services directly to the communities that need them through our state-of-the-art mobile unit.

John Howard, M.D., NIOSH Director

Locations and Access

The mobile unit is traveling to communities throughout several states, including Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia.

While the tour was announced on March 11, 2026, some scheduling adjustments occurred. Reports indicate that screenings originally scheduled for West Virginia in March 2026 were canceled due to technical issues.

Coal miners interested in participating are encouraged to schedule an appointment, although walk-ins are also welcome. Appointments can be made by calling 1-888-480-4042 or by emailing cwhsp@cdc.gov.

Detailed information regarding specific screening locations, dates, and times is maintained on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program webpage. The agency also posts updated schedules on X/Twitter and Facebook.