fiMERICAS PROTECTORS Marines’ Health Takes Top Priority (NAPSA)—The Marine Corps continues to reach out to individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before. To date, the Corps has successfully registered more than 100,000 individu- als through its call center andits online registration Website. Reaching Out The registrant increase comes from extensive efforts by the Marine Corps to locate individuals beginning in September 2007. The Marine Corps collaborated with the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to have notification letters forwarded on its behalf. To further reach potential registrants, the Marine Corps continues to work with local and regional media, veterans facilities and military associ- ations. The project maintains an official Web site and a fully staffed, toll-free call center that has received more than 35,000 calls. Identifying The Problem In the early 1980s, two solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), both unregulated at the time, were found in two water systems serving the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point areas. When it was determined that specific groundwater wells were impacted, they were taken out of service in 1984 and 1985. CAMP HISTORIC LEJEUNE) water e The Marine Corps is committed to reaching individuals who were at Camp Lejeune in 1987 and before to notify them of future research results. Funding ResearchInitiatives The Department of the Navy is funding two independent research initiatives. The CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is researching to determine if there is an association between exposure to the water and certain adverse health effects. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is evaluating potential risks associated with exposure. NAS results are expected in April 2009. The Marine Corpswill notify regis- trants of the research results. Register Today The Marine Corps remains committed to reaching individuals who were at Camp Lejeune to continue building a comprehensive registry to notify individuals of results from these research initiatives. If you or anyone you know lived or was stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before, please visit www.marines.mil/clsurvey or call (877) 261-9782.
