Northern Virginia Firefighter Occupational Cancer Screening Pilot
Biennium
2024-2026
Budget Round
Initial Bill
Half Sheet Number
272 #2c
Description
This amendment provides $430,000 each year from the general fund to the Virginia Department of Health to contract with a health system-affiliated cancer screening center in Planning District 8 for the purposes of executing the Northern Virginia Firefighter Occupational Cancer Screening Pilot. Funding is contingent upon demonstration of matching funds provided by the center, as well as an equal amount of matching funds provided by local governments in Planning District 8. The pilot will screen at least 900 firefighters (450 each year) distributed across Northern Virginia for occupational cancers and support a research study to identify the most effective screening modalities for occupational cancers in the firefighting profession. Language requires a report after two years to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees, as well as a final report on the pilot program.