Drew Harris, MD
On May 22, 2024, Drew Harris, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Workplace Safety. Dr. Harris is director of the Black Lung Program at Stone Mountain Health Services, serving miners across Appalachia and a nationally recognized expert and advocate for mine safety. The congressional hearing brought attention to concerns about the existing federal black lung benefits program.
Black lung, a lethal and untreatable illness, affects thousands of coal miners nationwide. Recent medical studies indicate a rising trend in black lung cases, notably in Appalachia, attributed to hazardous silica dust exposure. The black lung program, initiated by Congress in 1969, aims to furnish medical aid and financial support to afflicted coal miners. But the program is cumbersome and complex, and many miners have their claims denied despite doctors providing evidence they have severe black lung disease.
Filed Under: Faculty