Cold War Patriots Launches First National Network for Nuclear Weapons Workers
Many workers exposed to radiation and toxins while serving their country during the Cold War feel frustration and anger over challenges accessing government benefits programs. A new nonprofit aims to connect them to healthcare, support and resources.
Denver, CO (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 -- There is new hope for thousands of nuclear weapons workers and uranium miners who got sick serving their country, thanks to the recent launch of a nonprofit organization created to help them cut through the red tape that prevents them from receiving government benefits. Cold War Patriots is the first national network connecting these workers and their families with the comprehensive information they need to process their claims. Organizers hope it will help them channel their anger and frustration into positive action.
"We know there are thousands of workers who don't even realize they are eligible for benefits, and many others who have been denied benefits through a complicated process that drags on too long," said Dr. Maureen Merritt, founder of the New Mexico Alliance of Nuclear Worker Advocates. "These patriotic Americans served their country in a time of need but are now being forced to beg and plead for the help that Congress agreed they deserve."
During the Cold War, an arsenal of nuclear weapons and atomic fuel was produced in mostly secret plants run by the U.S. government and private companies. Many employees, who believed they were serving their country as proud patriots, later became ill due to exposure to radioactive elements, including uranium and plutonium, as well as exposure to beryllium, heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Workers were confident the facilities were safe. As one Cold War Patriots advisory committee member put it, "I never thought my government would make me sick."
Congress passed the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act in 2000, to provide "timely, uniform, and adequate compensation of covered employees and, where applicable, survivors of such employees, suffering from illnesses incurred by such employees in the performance of duty for the Department of Energy and certain of its contractors and subcontractors." But the application and approval process proved so confusing and complex that it became a not so amusing "Catch 22" for families desperate for help before those eligible died waiting.
Professional Case Management, a Denver company that provides home care services, decided to contribute to Cold War Patriots after learning what these families were going through. The first step was forming an advisory committee including workers, physicians and attorneys. A website was launched this month. Membership in Cold War Patriots is free to current and former nuclear weapons workers, uranium miners, millers, and haulers, as well as other individuals, family members or professionals that support the Cold War Patriot mission.
For more information visit www.coldwarpatriots.org or call 888-903-8989.
Contact:
Jon Pushkin, APR
303-733-3441, Cell: 303-725-5031
Jon @ PushkinPR.com
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