Lungs at Work is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping coal miners and their families affected by black lung and other respiratory illnesses. Since 2002, we have provided trusted medical testing, benefits counseling, and legal representation to support miners’ health and rights.

The organization was founded by Lynda Glagola, a respiratory therapist who began working with miners at Canonsburg Hospital. Lynda saw firsthand that miners had unique health needs that weren’t being met in traditional healthcare settings. She created Lungs at Work to offer specialized care focused entirely on the coal mining community. Her dedication to miners has shaped who we are today and earned recognition across the field, including the 2016 Mike South Award. Lynda has also served four terms as Chairwoman of the National Coalition of Black Lung and Respiratory Disease Clinics.

Since opening our doors, we have helped thousands of miners and families through screenings, testing, and lay advocacy services. Our efforts have helped miners secure millions of dollars in Federal Black Lung Benefits, providing both financial support and lifetime medical coverage for lung-related care.

We are proud members of the National Coalition of Black Lung Clinics and work closely with the U.S. Department of Labor and other partners to make sure miners receive the medical services, benefits assistance, and respect they deserve.

At Lungs at Work, our history is rooted in one simple promise: to stand with miners -independently, compassionately, and every step of the way.