Submitted photo A team of clinical staff from Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital is now offering specialized lung health screenings as part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) Spirometry Program, expanding access to critical respiratory testing for miners across the region From left: Ashley Ramsey, RRT; Garrett Butler, MD; and Haley Grogg, RRT.

PHILIPPI – Coal miners in north central West Virginia now have access to specialized lung health screenings close to home, thanks to a newly approved federal program at Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital.

Broaddus Hospital has been approved as a site for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) Spirometry Program, expanding access to critical respiratory testing for miners across the region.

“Coal mining has long been an important part of this region, and programs like this help ensure those who have worked in the industry have access to the care they deserve,” said Dana Gould, Chief Administrative Officer, Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital. “We’re proud to bring this service to our community.”

The program, established under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1977, is designed to detect lung disease in coal miners at an early stage and monitor respiratory health over time. It plays a vital role in identifying conditions such as Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (black lung) and other occupational lung diseases before symptoms become severe.

To bring the program to Broaddus Hospital, a team of clinical staff completed extensive specialized training and certification required by NIOSH. Those individuals include Garrett Butler, MD, Ashley Ramsey, RRT, and Haley Grogg, RRT, whose efforts helped secure program approval and expand services for the region.

“This is an important step forward for our community,” Grogg said. “There is a significant need for this type of screening in our region. By offering this program locally, we’re helping ensure miners have access to early detection and ongoing monitoring close to home.”

Spirometry, the primary test used in the program, is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures how well the lungs are working. It can detect early changes in lung function, often before a patient notices symptoms, allowing for earlier intervention and improved long-term outcomes.

“This program not only benefits individual patients but also contributes to a broader understanding of occupational lung disease nationwide,” Dr. Butler said. “Data collected through the program helps identify trends and supports efforts to improve miner health and safety across the country.”

Previously, miners in Barbour and surrounding counties often had to travel to larger cities such as Charleston or Pittsburgh to access similar testing. The addition of this service at Broaddus Hospital reduces that burden, improving access to care for a population with deep roots in the coal industry.

“For many of our patients, this means less time on the road and more time focused on their health,” Ramsey said. “Being able to offer this testing here at Broaddus makes the process easier and more accessible, especially for those who may have delayed screening due to travel.”

Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital is proud to offer this important service as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing access to care and meeting the unique health needs of the communities it serves.

For more information, visit DavisHealthSystem.org.