The Department of Energy's Former Worker Program provides free medical screenings to workers who were exposed to hazardous substances while supporting our nation's nuclear weapons and defense programs. Through the Worker Health Protection Program (WHPP), former DOE workers receive specialized screenings for illnesses related to exposures such as radiation, asbestos, beryllium, silica, and toxic chemicals.

Today, this life-saving program is at risk. The Department of Energy has not released funding for WHPP, placing critical screenings and services in jeopardy. At the same time, funding for the program has remained essentially flat for more than a decade despite rising healthcare and operating costs.

For many former workers, these screenings are the only independent occupational health evaluations they receive and often serve as a gateway to benefits available through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Workers fulfilled their commitment by serving their country under hazardous conditions. Congress and the Department of Energy must uphold their commitment by protecting and adequately funding these vital services.

Click "Start Writing" to send a prewritten email to Congress urging them to release the funding being withheld to prevent disruptions to worker screenings and to increase funding for the Former Worker Program to keep pace with rising costs.