Residents of central Utah who may have been affected by nuclear testing fallout are encouraged to attend a free public information meeting later this month in Richfield to learn about recent changes to the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA.

The meeting will be hosted by the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program, or RESEP, clinic from Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital and will focus on the recent reinstatement and expansion of RECA. The updated law now includes additional geographic areas and offers increased compensation amounts for those who qualify.

The Richfield meeting will take place Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Snow College Administration Building, Room 147 B&E. This meeting is expected to be the most convenient location for residents of Sevier, Sanpete, Piute, Wayne and surrounding counties.

RESEP representatives will explain who qualifies under the expanded law, what illnesses are covered, and how eligible individuals or families can apply for compensation. Applications will be available at the meeting for those who have requested forms but have not yet received them.

The term “Downwinder” refers to people who were exposed to radioactive fallout during above-ground nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site, which affected parts of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and New Mexico. Exposure has been linked to increased cancer risks and other serious health conditions.

Organizers stress that the meeting is informational and open to the public, with no registration required. Family members of potentially eligible individuals are also encouraged to attend and ask questions.

Those who have already received compensation through RECA should be aware that federal law does not allow individuals to apply for additional funds under the program.

In addition to the Richfield meeting, RESEP is holding similar informational sessions in Salt Lake City, Provo/Orem, St. George, and Nampa, Idaho, over the next two weeks. At some locations, experts will also be available to review applications prior to the meetings at no cost.

For more information, residents can contact the RESEP clinic directly at 435-251-4760.