Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program - UNHS RESEP Project Abstract • Project Title: UNHS RESEP • Applicant Name: Utah Navajo Health System, Incorporated • Address: P.O. Box 130, Highway 262, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534-0130 • Federally Qualified Health Center/Non-Profit • Email Address: mjensen@unhsinc.org • Web Site Address: www.unhsinc.org • Project Director: Stephanie Singer, Program Development/Grant Management, 801.360.8151, stephanies@unhsinc.org • Carbon, Duchesne, Emery, Grand, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne Counties in Utah, which includes portions of the Navajo Nation. The Utah Navajo Health System Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (UNHS RESEP) serves a population that was heavily involved in the extraction, transportation and processing of uranium, and individuals residing in fallout areas from nuclear test sites. The UNHS RESEP has been operating since November, 2002 and was one of the first RESEP funded programs in the country. The counties affected by mining, milling and transportation and fallout in the UNHS RESEP service area are Carbon, Duchesne, Emery, Grand, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne Counties in Utah, which includes portions of the Navajo Nation. The program also serves residents affected by mining activities and fallout now residing in Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Juab, Millard, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch and Weber Counties in Utah. The population to be served is 77% Navajo and 23% White. The individuals in the areas affected include some of the most remote areas in the state and are, predominantly, designated Frontier areas. Fifty-one percent of the population is below 100% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and a total of 70% of the population is below 200% of FPL. Among the target population, 29% of patients are uninsured, 30% utilize Medicaid, 10% utilize Medicare and 31% have some form of private insurance. The main goals and objectives of the UNHS RESEP are to address the needs of the target population for radiogenic related screening, treatment, and follow up services due to exposure to uranium and atmospheric nuclear testing. Additionally, the UNHS RESEP provides RECA compensation assistance to those persons who qualify under the RECA guidelines. UNHS RESEP addresses screening, community education and outreach and RECA assistance needs by providing the following services: medical screening; early detection and referrals; follow up and case management; community education and outreach; RECA eligibility assistance; quality assurance and data collection. The UNHS RESEP team provides screening for uranium miners, millers, ore transporters and downwinders throughout the UNHS RESEP service area. The team consists of the program director, the medical director, and program coordinator specifically trained in RESEP protocols and techniques. The program coordinator provides for coordination of care and RECA assistance. For the downwinder population, screening focuses on potential thyroid cancer/disease, and includes a physical examination. Follow up and referral for any discovered thyroid nodules is for fine needle biopsy and subsequent referral for surgery as indicated. UNHS first learned about the RESEP through a HRSA news release in 2002.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).