By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Virginia has launched a $2 million grant program to help career fire departments provide specialized cancer screenings for firefighting personnel, funded through the state’s two-year budget.
- Grants will cover up to $350 per firefighter for cancer screenings that typically cost between $300 and $400 per examination, a cost many agencies have been unable to afford independently.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from cancer than the general population due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and contaminated gear.
- Governor Abigail Spanberger stated that early detection is essential for saving lives and emphasized the state’s commitment to expanding access to cancer screening for firefighters across Virginia.
- Currently, only career fire departments are eligible for grants; the governor indicated hope to expand the program to include volunteer departments in the future.
RICHMOND, VA — The Commonwealth of Virginia established a $2 million grant program July 28 to expand access to specialized cancer screenings for career firefighting personnel, addressing occupational health risks associated with firefighting.
The grant program, funded through the state’s biennial budget, will help career fire departments cover the cost of cancer screenings that most agencies have been unable to afford independently. Screenings typically cost $300 to $400 per firefighter.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health documents elevated cancer risk among firefighting personnel. Firefighters experience a 9 percent elevated likelihood of developing cancer compared to the general population and a 14 percent elevated likelihood of cancer-related mortality. Repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and contaminated materials on firefighting personal protective equipment contributes to the increased risk. Research has identified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” present in some firefighting gear that have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers.
Governor Abigail Spanberger emphasized the importance of early cancer detection for firefighter health outcomes. “Early detection is so essential to saving lives, and that is something that I want to ensure is available to firefighters across Virginia,” Spanberger stated. “We know they take risks, and we as a Commonwealth want to help mitigate some of the risks that come, particularly as it relates to their cancer risk.”
Career fire departments seeking grant funding must submit applications for consideration. Departments will be able to apply for funding to provide specialized cancer screenings to eligible personnel.
Currently, the program is limited to career fire departments. Spanberger indicated intention to expand the grant program to include volunteer fire departments in future phases.
