In an April 30 Federal Register notice, HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration announced the availability of approximately $3 million for the education, prevention, and early detection of cancers and other diseases caused by the mining, transport and processing of uranium and the testing of nuclear weapons.

The new grant program, created by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2000 and managed by HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care, will require recipients to

• develop education programs and disseminate information on diseases caused by radiation and the importance of early detection;

• screen eligible individuals for cancer and other diseases caused by radiation;

• provide appropriate referrals for medical treatment; and

• help document Radiation Exposure Compensation Program claims.

Eligible applicants include:

• National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers;

• Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals or medical centers;

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), FQHC lookalikes, community health centers, or hospitals;

• agencies of any State or local government that currently provide direct health care services;

• Indian Health Service health care facilities, including programs provided through tribal contracts, compacts, grants, or cooperative agreements with the IHS and which are determined appropriate to raising the health status of Indians; and

• nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations.

HRSA expects to award between 10 and 15 grants, with each award ranging from $200,000 to $400,000.  Applications are due by June 28; awards will be announced in September.

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