Governor Abigail Spanberger highlighted a new grant program, funded through a budget amendment she proposed, which invests $2 million annually to support localities and departments in providing cancer screenings for career firefighters. This initiative addresses cancer as the leading cause of death in the fire service, emphasizing the critical need for early detection.
The program allocates $350 per eligible screening, aiming to mitigate the increased cancer risk firefighters face from exposure to carcinogenic fumes and chemicals. Governor Spanberger previously led bipartisan legislation to ensure Veteran military firefighters disabled by certain cancers received earned healthcare benefits and disability compensation.
William Boger, district vice president and communications director for the Virginia Professional Firefighters, said, "This program will save lives." Governor Spanberger underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, "Early detection is so essential to saving lives, and that is something that I want to ensure is available to firefighters across Virginia. 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."
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from it than the general public. While currently available to career fire departments, Governor Spanberger expressed hope for future expansion to include volunteer departments.