After World War II, the nuclear arms race was in full swing in the U.S. The Colorado Plateau, a geographic area which includes large portions of each of the four corners states, was home to the resulting uranium boom. Although the uranium industry was a benefit to our part of the country, it came at a huge price. Exposure to radiation from the mining, hauling and processing of uranium ore and to radioactive fall-out from atmospheric nuclear tests is now linked to a variety of diseases, particularly lung, kidney and other cancers.

Beginning with the research of Dr. Geno Saccomanno in the 1950's, St. Mary's Hospital has had a long history of serving the medical needs of local uranium workers. The Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) continues this commitment and provides a clinic designed to focus specifically on the medical needs of the following eligible individuals:

• Uranium Industry Workers: Individuals who worked for one year or more in a uranium mine or mill, or who transported uranium ore between January 1, 1942 and December 31, 1971.
• Downwinders: Individuals who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site during atmospheric nuclear testing in certain counties in Nevada, Utah or Arizona.
• Onsite Participants: Individuals who participated onsite in a test involving atmospheric detonation of a nuclear bomb.

Clients who qualify for screening at the RESEP clinic, located at 1160 Patterson Road, Suite 210, will receive the following services:

• Health screening which includes medical and occupational histories, a thorough physical exam, and a variety of important medical tests;
• Education about early detection and prevention of diseases linked to exposure to radiation and other health issues specific to each patient;
• Referral for treatment to qualified physicians based on the screening and test results;
• RECA counseling to provide support finding documentation for compensation claims.

A federal grant, administered by the Saccomanno Research Institute, helps the clinic operate and covers some screening and testing costs. Patients are charged for RESEP services based on their insurance coverage and ability to pay.

For more information about the RESEP clinic, please call Teara Carr, RESEP Outreach and Education Coordinator, at 970-255-6327.

Anyone wanting to make an appointment to be screened in the RESEP clinic may call 970-255-6367 or toll free at 1-800-860-6335.