Black Lung Town Hall

Town Hall: The Black Lung Epidemic Sweeping Appalachia

Coal miners and family members impacted by black lung disease, medical professionals, legal experts, and community advocates will join together for a discussion regarding the recent resurgence of black lung disease. Recent statistics show that 1 in 5 veteran coal miners in Central Appalachia now has black lung disease, a lethal disease caused by dust exposure while working in the coal mining industry. The conversation will cover: testimony of the lived experience of black lung disease, recent epidemiological research about the resurgence of the disease, including in east Kentucky, and related legal and policy issues.

• Dr. Cara Halldin, epidemiologist, NIOSH
• Dr. Brandon Crum, radiologist
• Wes Addington, Deputy Director, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
• Miners and mining families affected by black lung disease
• Richard Yontz, Southeast Kentucky Black Lung Association
• Anthony Warlick, Mountain Comprehensive Healthcare Corporation
• Evan Smith, Attorney, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center