Former nuclear workers in Tennessee, including 70-year-old Steve Hicks, are facing a critical health crisis as they struggle to obtain necessary medical assistance for conditions linked to their work on the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Hicks, who has battled kidney cancer and now requires treatment for skin cancer, is among thousands of colleagues seeking help from the Department of Health.
Hicks submitted a petition for financial support to cover medical bills incurred by himself and his former coworkers at the Y-12 facility, a key site in the development of nuclear weapons. However, his efforts have been complicated as the department has suspended the work of expert bodies responsible for reviewing such petitions, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
Despite voicing his concerns through dozens of letters to President Donald Trump and Tennessee senators, Hicks has seen little progress in securing benefits and compensation. Currently, he relies on 30 different medications daily, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to his situation.
The plight of these former workers highlights a broader issue regarding the health impacts of nuclear weapon production. As the government grapples with these challenges, the future for many, like Hicks, remains uncertain. For more on related coverage, see our article on recent developments affecting workers' rights.
