RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia has launched a new $2 million grant program to help career fire departments provide specialized cancer screenings for firefighters.
The funding, included in the state’s two-year budget, is intended to expand access to early cancer detection, WSET reported. State officials said the grants will help departments cover the cost of screenings that many agencies have been unable to afford on their own.
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from it than the general public. Repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals and contaminants on firefighting gear contributes to the increased risk.
Research has also found some firefighting gear contains PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
The grant program will help departments pay for specialized cancer screenings, which typically cost $300 to $400 per firefighter.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger said expanding access to early cancer detection is critical.
“Early detection is so essential to saving lives, and that is something that I want to ensure is available to firefighters across Virginia,” Spanberger said. “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.”
Currently, only career fire departments are eligible for the grants. Spanberger said she hopes to expand the program to include volunteer departments eventually.
Fire departments will need to apply for grant funding.
