2009

City Council Passes Resolution Supporting 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

December 23, 2009

The New York City Council passed a resolution in December urging Congress to amend and pass the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Now pending before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the legislation would provide long-term medical monitoring and treatment of people exposed to the World Trade Center attacks.

The resolution calls on Congress to reduce New York City’s cost share under the Act, and to consider adding cancer and certain other illnesses as covered conditions under the legislation.

City Council Holds Hearing on WTC Medical Working Group Findings

December 15, 2009

The New York City Council held a December hearing examining the World Trade Center (WTC) Medical Working Group’s 2009 Annual Report on 9/11 Health (PDF). The WTC Medical Working Group was established in 2007 by Mayor Bloomberg to review 9/11 health findings and provide evidence-based guidance to policymakers. It includes physicians and researchers from inside and outside city government with expertise in 9/11 health.

Tamiru Mammo, Senior Advisor for Health Policy in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, testified (PDF) on the recent 9/11 health findings and the city’s efforts to ensure people with 9/11-related health conditions are aware of available treatment services. Mammo reiterated the city’s support of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which would establish the WTC Health Program and provide permanent federal funding to monitor and treat 9/11-related health conditions. He also summarized the heightened city’s outreach efforts to Congress to pass the 9/11 health legislation.

G. Oliver Koppell, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability, commended the report on 9/11 health for “recognizing the severity and continuing nature of 9/11-related mental health conditions.” However, Domenic Recchia, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and Intergroup Relations, challenged the WTC Medical Working Group’s conclusion that “there is no evidence [to date] for or against a causal connection between WTC exposure and any form of cancer.”

The hearing also included testimony from labor and community advocates. Several urged the Council to pass a resolution encouraging Congress to amend the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to include cancer treatment and a screening program for community members. The current legislation doesn’t include cancer among covered conditions. However, more conditions can be added, without Congressional approval. In addition, the bill provides a waiver process, which allows treatment for an un-covered condition, based on physician diagnosis and review by an independent physician panel.

New York City Reaches Out to Key Members of Congress in Support of Federal 9/11 Health Legislation

November 24, 2009

New York City stepped up its outreach efforts to encourage Congressional support of federal 9/11 health legislation. Although the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 847 and S.1334) has the support of the New York Congressional delegation, it must be approved by a House committee, with members from 31 states, before the full House can vote on it.

With legislative action likely after Congress finishes work on health care reform, the city, with cooperation from the FDNY, is urging Mayors from key cities and fire departments nationwide that participated in World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery effort to contact their local Representatives to support the bill. The city is also providing a breakdown of WTC Health Registry enrollees by geographical area to show how passing the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act can benefit constituents directly, including local responders and volunteers who returned home after their 9/11 service, as well as Americans exposed to the attacks in New York City who relocated.

In addition to its partnerships with labor and community leaders to support permanent funding for 9/11 medical monitoring and treatment, the city’s efforts include:

A visit by WTC Environmental Health Center staff and patients to the House Energy and Commerce Committee to stress its services for survivors of the WTC collapse, including people who lived, worked or went to school in Lower Manhattan
Standing with the responder community at fall events in New York City and Washington, DC

The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act must also pass the Senate. The Senate version (S. 1334) has been referred to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. There is no action pending.

Worker's Compensation Board Releases Data On WTC Cases

September 22, 2009

The New York State Workers' Compensation Board released new data on workers' compensation claims related to the WTC disaster.

The study focused on 11,000 WTC-related cases where there was comprehensive claim data. Among the cases:

More than half were for victims of the attacks, and about 40% were for rescue and recovery workers.
In about 5,200 cases, the Board received an initial filing but no medical evidence supporting the claim, or the worker did not pursue the claim. The Board is actively contacting these workers to find out why they did not pursue their claims.
75% of all cases were filed before 2004.
In about 4,600 claims, rescue and recovery workers received benefits. Nearly 90% of these cases were for respiratory illnesses.

According to the report, the Board has received more than 39,000 WTC-12 forms since 2006. By filing a WTC-12, WTC workers and volunteers preserve their right to file a workers' compensation claim in the future if they get sick.

Obama Reaffirms Support for Federal 9/11 Health Programs

September 17, 2009

President Obama commemorated the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a speech at a memorial ceremony at the Pentagon.

“Now, eight years later, it is that sense of common purpose we must recapture. That begins by remaining vigilant, by putting in place the policies that will best protect our security, by ensuring access to monitoring and treatment for the rescuers, as well as residents, workers and students, made sick by the toxic dust and debris that filled the air after the attacks, and by supporting the men and women in uniform who take risks and make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe,” Obama said at the Pentagon observance.

In addition, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. announced that the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will meet at the end of September to approve part of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847, PDF). The Health Subcommittee oversees the health care component of the bill, which would provide long-term federal funding for medical monitoring and treatment of those affected by 9/11.

Tribute WTC Visitor Center – Volunteer Opportunities

September 10, 2009

The Tribute World Trade Center (WTC) Visitor Center invites people directly affected by September 11 to volunteer by sharing their stories with visitors from around the world. Volunteers lead walking tours of the WTC site, serve as gallery guides in the Center itself and provide administrative support at the Center’s offices. Volunteer hours are flexible and can be scheduled any day of the week, with a minimum commitment of only 4 hours a month.

Located at 120 Liberty Street across from the WTC site, the museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the WTC, educating the public about the 2001 and 1993 attacks and discussing a variety of topics through special exhibitions.

To learn more about volunteering at the Tribute Center, contact Tracy Grosner, Volunteer Program Coordinator, at (212) 422-3520, ext. 112 or tgrosner@tributewtc.org, or visit 9/11 Tribute Museum.

Obama Administration Reinstates Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator

September 4, 2009

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reappointed Dr. John Howard as the country’s 9/11 health coordinator. Howard will also direct the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

“President Obama’s re-appointment of John Howard, M.D., to his dual role as NIOSH Director and as World Trade Center Programs Coordinator is welcome news as we approach the 8th commemoration of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,” Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement. “As a result of his efforts, the country now has three centers of excellence dedicated to treating, monitoring and understanding the health impacts of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Dr. Howard has also championed funding for critical 9/l1 research, including the WTC Health Registry, whose 71,000 volunteers from nearly every congressional district in the United States help researchers truly understand the health impacts of this national tragedy.”

Howard served as NIOSH director from 2002 through 2008. He also served as coordinator of federal WTC Health Programs from 2006 until July 2008.

9/11 Health Legislation Advances in House

July 30, 2009

The House Judiciary Committee recently approved (PDF) a key portion of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (PDF) (HR 847).The legislation would reopen the Victim Compensation Fund for rescue and recovery workers exposed to the World Trade Center disaster. The vote is a crucial step toward the goal of passing HR 847 by the eighth anniversary of the attacks.

"Today's approval of key parts of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act by the House Judiciary committee is welcome news and important progress," said Mayor Bloomberg in a recent statement. "It would reopen the Victim Compensation Fund, creating an alternative to litigation, while protecting the contractors who were there for the City when we needed them. I want to thank the lead sponsors of this bill, Representatives Jerry Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Peter King and Michael McMahon for their efforts, I also want to thank Representatives Weiner, Conyers and Lungren for their work."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over the health care component of the bill. This portion would provide long-term federal funding for medical monitoring and treatment of those affected by 9/11.

House of Representatives Allocates an Additional $70.7 Million for 9/11 Health Programs

July 27, 2009

Similar to President Obama's initial budget proposal, which was released back in May, the House of Representatives budget (PDF) (HR 3293) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes more than $70 million in new funding for the medical screening and treatment of people affected by 9/11.

"By including over $70 million in funding for 9/11 health programs, the House has once again recognized the importance of addressing the health impacts the September 11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks," said Mayor Bloomberg. “"his critical funding, first proposed in the White House budget, will be used to care for first responders, community members and others who are sick. These appropriations are vital to keep current programming going, but they do not replace the need for a long-term national commitment to address this problem. It is more pressing than ever for Congress to pass legislation establishing a long-term WTC medical monitoring and treatment program."

In its report (PDF) to Congress, the House Committee on Appropriations expressed concerns about the limitations of certain aspects of the current WTC medical screening and treatment programs. The Committee urged the expansion of 9/11-related services to include further outreach to all eligible individuals, expanded benefits counseling services to those already enrolled in the various programs and the continued funding of the WTC Health Registry. The House of Representatives, the Senate and the White House will begin budget negotiations once the Congressional summer recess is over in September.

WTC Health Registry Receives New Funding

July 20, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act by a wide margin. The bill, long supported by the New York Congressional delegation, would provide long term funding for 9/11-related health care and research, and it would re-open the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund.

“Today’s bi-partisan vote by the House of Representatives is a significant moment in a fight we have waged for years,” said Mayor Bloomberg in a statement. “Today’s vote acknowledges that the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks were an attack on America, and addressing its health impacts is a national duty. This bill recognizes that the country should be there for the tens of thousands of responders who were there for us on 9/11.”

The legislation still requires Senate approval before President Obama, who indicated his support in a statement delivered to the House prior the vote, can sign it into law. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who has introduced 9/11 health legislation in the Senate, said in a statement “I’m working closely with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate. I know the Majority Leader fully supports our legislation, and I am pushing strongly for the Senate to take up this bill during the next work period.” The next work period in the Senate begins after the mid-term elections.

Health Department Releases Clinical Guidelines for Treating Children Exposed to 9/11

July 7, 2009

The Health Department recently released clinical guidelines (PDF) for health care providers on how to treat children and adolescents exposed to the WTC disaster. The guidelines were written and reviewed in collaboration with external researchers and clinical advisors. Drafts were also shared with community representatives for input.

The guidelines describe the exposures and health effects of 9/11 in children and provide information about pediatric environmental health and mental health.

The publication will help providers in identifying, evaluating and treating pediatric patients with potential WTC-related physical or mental health conditions. It also includes information about referral resources for medical and mental health symptoms related to the WTC disaster, such as the WTC Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital Center.

The guidelines were emailed to nearly 21,000 City Health Information subscribers and are being mailed to more than 33,000 doctors, nurses, psychologists and other providers citywide.

Senator Gillibrand Introduces 9/11 Health Legislation

June 24, 2009

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference in the nation's capital alongside Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senators Charles Schumer, Frank Lautenberg, and Robert Menendez to introduce the Senate version (PDF) (S 1334) of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Similar to the House bill (PDF) (HR 847), this legislation would provide permanent long-term federal funding to monitor and treat those affected by the World Trade Center disaster including rescue and recovery workers and residents of Lower Manhattan. In addition, the bill also would re-open the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Peter King, and Michael McMahon, who sponsored the House legislation, also appeared at the announcement.

“I commend my predecessor, Secretary Clinton, as well as my colleagues in both the Senate and the House, who invested tremendous effort over several years to get us to this point,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today we are taking a major step toward fulfilling our obligation, but we have a lot of work left to do.”

“Passing this bill will, at long last, fully engage the Federal government in resolving the health challenges created by the terrorist attack against our entire nation that awful morning. Make no mistake: The destruction of the World Trade Center was an act of war against the United States,” Mayor Bloomberg remarked at the press conference. “Let me thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the rest of New York State’s congressional delegation, and our neighbors in New Jersey for crafting this critical piece of legislation.”

The Senate bill limits the cost share of the entire WTC health program for New York City to $250 million over any 10 year period. The bill currently in the House of Representatives, now with 64 co-sponsors from 17 states, could cost the City up to $500 million during the next 10 years. In addition, the Senate bill also provides the City with more oversight of any federally-funded treatment program for the Lower Manhattan community.

City Council Holds Hearing on Line-of-Duty Benefits for WTC-Related Conditions

June 9, 2009

The New York City Council's Civil Service & Labor Committee recently held a hearing on Introduction No. 714, which would create a presumption of line-of-duty (LODI) benefits for World Trade Center (WTC) related conditions as covered by the New York State pension law. The bill would eliminate medical judgment from a broad class of pension decisions. Representatives of the City as well as two municipal unions appeared at the hearing.

Joey Koch, Special Counsel to Mayor Bloomberg testified (PDF) against the bill because "it effectively strips medical professionals of the ability to use their professional judgment and knowledge in making informed conclusions." In addition, the creation of a presumption of LODI benefits would increase the costs of medical coverage. "Particularly in the midst of the current economic crisis, the City must act with extreme caution on any measure that would increase demands on City taxpayers," said Koch. She also highlighted the City's support of permanent federal funding to address the health effects of the WTC disaster. "Mayor Bloomberg and members of the administration have repeatedly traveled to Washington, DC to lobby Congress for long-term federal funding," added Koch. In addition, Mayor Bloomberg has appointed the WTC Medical Working Group to review clinical and research on the potential health effects of WTC exposure. The group released its first annual report (PDF) last year.

Frank Tramontano (PDF), Research Director of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, and Lt. Edward Boles of the Uniformed Fire Officers' Association testified in support of the bill. "Currently employees who do not get line of duty status for their World Trade Center-related illness often rely on medical benefits provided by their chosen medical plan, which in some cases can pose a severe financial hardship," said Tramontano.

September 11th Workers’ Task Force Recommends Legislative Changes

June 4, 2009

The September 11th Worker Protection Task Force recently issued its 2009 annual report (PDF), recommending the following legislative changes:

Tiers I and II of the NYC Teachers' Retirement System and the Board of Education Retirement System should be included in the World Trade Center Disability Law.
The definition of "qualifying condition" under Workers' Compensation Law should be changed from the term "œlatent condition" to a non-exhaustive list of qualifying conditions based on a similar list from the NYS Retirement and Social Security Law.
The Workers' Compensation Board should contact certain 9/11 claimants whose cases have been closed, advise them of their right to file medical evidence and reopen their claims, and suggest that they may wish to consult an attorney and/or attend publicly-funded 9/11 medical clinics.
New York City and other self-insured employers and carriers should review their internal practices and avoid inappropriate delays of claims and appeals.
The Workers' Compensation Committee of the Task Force should remain in place to monitor continuing developments in rescue, recovery and cleanup claims (following a yearlong review of the New York State workers' compensation system, this committee produced its own list of recommended changes which are included as Exhibit B in the report).

Last year, all six recommendations made by the Task Force became law. There are 19 members of the Task Force, including New York City and New York State elected officials, union leaders and physicians specializing in occupational medicine. The Task Force was created in 2005 to ensure that New York City and New York State employees injured in the WTC rescue and recovery effort are eligible for accidental disability benefits.

New York City Council Calls on Congress to Amend and Pass 9/11 Health Legislation

May 22, 2009

The New York City Council recently held a hearing on a proposed resolution that calls on Congress to pass the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847). The legislation would provide permanent long-term federal funding to monitor and treat those affected by 9/11. The resolution also called on Congress to reduce New York City’s cost share of the entire program, which could be up to $500 million over 10 years.

Caswell F. Holloway, Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler and Special Advisor to Mayor Bloomberg testified (PDF) in support of the resolution. $500 million “is simply too high a cost for City taxpayers to shoulder alone for what clearly must be a national response to an act of war against our country,” said Holloway. He continued, “This is not to say that the City objects to any cost-sharing. Indeed, Mayor Bloomberg fully supported an earlier version of the bill that required the City to pay 5% of the cost of treating anyone treated at a Center of Excellence within the City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation. We accepted this obligation, because it ensures that the City has a strong incentive to monitor these programs and make sure that these health care dollars are spent wisely.”

Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Michael E. McMahon, co-sponsors of H.R. 847, also sent representatives to testify in support of the proposed resolution.

Mayor, Police Commissioner Honor Police Officers Who Participated in WTC Rescue and Recovery

July 28, 2010

Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Kelly presided over a Police Memorial Day ceremony honoring New York City police officers who died in the line of duty.

The names of six men and four women who took part in the WTC rescue, recovery and clean up were among 11 added to those of other fallen officers whose sacrifices are commemorated on plaques in the Police Memorial Lobby inside Police Headquarters.

President's 2010 Budget Adds $70 Million for 9/11 Health Care

May 8, 2009

President Obama's proposed budget (PDF) for fiscal year 2010 includes more than $70 million in new funding for the medical screening and treatment of people affected by 9/11.

"I am encouraged by the inclusion of over $70 million in funding for World Trade Center Health Programs in President Obama’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2010," said Mayor Bloomberg. "We still face the need for a long-term solution, which is why I support federal legislation to provide sustained funding that allows us to address the current and future health problems created by 9/11, as well as past injuries and illnesses. I will continue to work with Congress to ensure that the men and women who bravely answered the call of duty when our nation was attacked receive the health care that they deserve, and to present a bill for President Obama's signature before another anniversary of the attacks passes."

Congress expects to pass the budget with President Obama’s support in the fall.

Tribute Center Seeks Volunteers

April 28, 2009

The Tribute World Trade Center (WTC) Visitor Center, opposite Ground Zero, is seeking volunteers directly affected by 9/11 to lead guided walks of the WTC site and to share their personal stories. Tribute Center volunteers have found it therapeutic to tell their stories and share their perspectives of the events with visitors to the site.

The Tribute Center offers a place where those affected by the WTC disaster can connect with other people from the 9/11 community. Through walking tours, exhibits and programs, the Center offers "Person to Person History," connecting visitors with people directly impacted by the 2001 and 1993 attacks.

With more than one million visitors since its September 2006 opening, the Tribute Center puts a human face to the broad impact of 9/11.

To learn more about volunteering at the Tribute Center, contact Tracy Grosner, Volunteer Program Coordinator, at (212) 422-3520, ext. 112 or tgrosner@tributewtc.org, or visit 9/11 Tribute Museum.

City Official, WTC Clinicians Testify In Support of 9/11 Health Legislation

April 23, 2009

On April 22, Congress held a hearing on the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act(PDF) (H.R. 847). The legislation would establish a permanent medical monitoring and treatment program for WTC rescue and recovery workers and the lower Manhattan community.

Caswell Holloway, Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler and Special Advisor to Mayor Bloomberg, testified(PDF) in support of a steady funding stream for the WTC Centers of Excellence. "Passing this bill would, at long last, achieve these goals, and fully engage the Federal government in resolving the health challenges created by the attack on our entire nation that occurred on 9/11," said Holloway. "People from every part of the country perished in the attack, and people from all 50 states also took part in the subsequent relief and recovery efforts. And that makes addressing the resulting health effects of 9/11, as well as compensating those who were harmed as fairly and expeditiously as possible, a national responsibility."

The expert witnesses also included Dr. Jacqueline Moline, Director of the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program and Dr. Joan Reibman, Medical Director of the WTC Environmental Health Center. "We now have an interdisciplinary medical and mental health program that has evaluated and is treating approximately 3,500 patients," said Dr. Reibman in her testimony(PDF). "We continue to receive inquiries each week; while most come from local people, we have received calls from individuals living in about 20 other states."

Also speaking were the bill's sponsors, Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Peter King.

New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone, Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, and New York Representatives Eliot Engel and Anthony Weiner also supported the bill.

President Obama Signs Law Establishing September 11 as a National Day of Service

April 23, 2009

President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Service Act (HR 1388, PDF) establishing September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The President was joined by Senator Kennedy, former President Clinton, Mayor Bloomberg and other Congressional leaders who supported the bill. The new law also boosts federal support for national service programs, such as Americorps, and increases education grants for volunteers.

"I've seen a rising generation of young people work and volunteer and turn out in record numbers," said President Obama. "They're a generation that came of age amidst the horrors of 9/11 and Katrina; the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; an economic crisis without precedent. And yet despite all this, or more likely because of it, they have become a generation of activists possessed with that most American of ideas that people who love their country can change it."

For volunteer opportunities in New York City, visit NYC Service.

Downloadable 9/11 Health Data Now Available

April 15, 2009

Researchers can now download an expanded WTC Health Registry 2003/2004 baseline survey dataset. This new tool lets researchers sort Health Registry statistics by more than two variables. For example, a researcher can now use survey data to see how smoking history, education and exposure to the dust cloud on 9/11 factored into new asthma cases among Lower Manhattan residents.

For more information or to download the dataset, visit Health Data Tools.

New York City Card Includes 9/11 Health Funding

April 14, 2009

Mayor Bloomberg released the fourth annual New York City Card, a credit-card sized guide for New York’s political donor community. The card details pending federal and state issues and priorities. This year’s card lists five of the city’s top agenda items, such as long-term federal funding of a WTC treatment program for responders, workers and community members.

“The NYC Card sends a clear message to all those who seek political contributions in our City: support those who support you,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We have taken aggressive steps to help see our City through tough economic times and by harnessing the power of New York City’s political and financial influence, we will help ensure that our City’s priorities have a voice in Albany and Washington.”

In addition to the card, the city will send legislative alerts and briefing sheets to card holders. The alerts and briefing sheets will include key legislator contact information for cardholders to contact about city issues. The city’s 9/11 health web site tracks pending WTC health-related legislation, such as the federal 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847) (PDF). The bill now has 56 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.
Read the press release

New York City Testifies to Re-Open 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

March 31, 2009

Two House Judiciary Subcommittees held a joint hearing on the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (PDF) (HR 847). The bill would provide long-term federal funding for the monitoring and treatment of those exposed to the WTC disaster. It would also re-open the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Michael Cardozo, of the New York City Corporation Counsel, and other witnesses testified in support of the legislation.

The Victim Compensation Fund’s filing period ended in December 2003, which was well before many affected developed 9/11-related health problems. The Fund paid more than $7 billion in federal taxpayer dollars to 5,560 people who lost loved ones or were injured in the attacks, including many rescue and recovery workers with respiratory problems. In return, the claimants agreed not to file lawsuits against any U.S. party for their loss. Almost 11,000 rescue and recovery workers who missed the filing deadline or were not eligible for the Fund are now suing New York City.

"If in fact [these rescue and recovery workers] were hurt as a result of their work in helping their country recover from a terrorist attack, or as a result of exposure to dust and fumes from the attack, [they] deserve to be compensated by their country for their losses. There is no just reason for them to get nothing while many others, who were in essentially the same position, but who met the strict eligibility requirements for compensation from the fund, were compensated," Cardozzo said in his testimony (PDF).

U.S. Senate Joins House in Passing Legislation to Establish September 11 as a National Day of Service

March 26, 2009

The U.S. Senate joined with the House of Representatives in passing historic national service legislation, ServeAmerica Act (S. 277) (PDF), which, like the House Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education (GIVE) Act (H.R. 1388) (PDF), includes a key provision that would establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The legislation would also provide federal support for national service programs and boost education grants for volunteers.

"We can take a tragic day in our nation's history and turn it into a force for good," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer, a co-sponsor of the ServeAmerica Act. "We can make it a day on which we can give back in remembrance of those who lost their lives."

The House and Senate bills will now proceed to conference to reconcile any differences. President Obama is expected to sign the final bill into law.

Mayor Bloomberg, NY Congressional Delegation Urge Reappointment of Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator

March 17, 2009

Mayor Bloomberg sent a letter (PDF) to President Obama recommending the reappointment of Dr. John Howard, the former director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as federal 9/11 Health Coordinator.

"As a result of his efforts, the country now has three centers of excellence dedicated to treating, monitoring and understanding the health impacts of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks," wrote the Mayor. He continued, "Dr. Howard has also supported critical 9/11 research, including funding for the WTC Health Registry, a database of more than 71,000 people who were among the most-heavily exposed to the attacks."

Fourteen members of New York's Congressional delegation also sent a letter to the President urging the reappointment of Dr. Howard. "Dr. Howard has received accolades for his outstanding work on behalf of the heroes of 9/11, gaining universal praise from labor, community groups and health care providers alike," wrote the delegation. "He is the kind of administrator we need to help the heroes who helped the nation in our time of need."

President Signs Spending Bill Containing $70 Million for 9/11 Health Care

February 25, 2009

President Obama signed into law an omnibus spending bill (PDF) for fiscal year 2009. The bill includes $70 million in new funding for the current medical monitoring and treatment programs administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at FDNY and the Mount Sinai Consortium. The funds will also cover treatment for residents, area workers and others affected by 9/11.

Mayor Bloomberg, NY Congressional Delegation Urge Reappointment of Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator

February 24, 2009

Mayor Bloomberg sent a letter to President Obama recommending the reappointment of Dr. John Howard, the former director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as federal 9/11 Health Coordinator.

House Approves Funding For 9/11 Health Care

February 23, 2009

The House of Representatives passed an omnibus spending bill (PDF) (HR 1105) for fiscal year 2009. The bill includes $70 million in new funding for the medical treatment and screening of people exposed to the 9/11 disaster.

"I want to thank the entire New York Congressional delegation, especially Representatives Jerry Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Peter King, Michael McMahon and former Representative Jim Walsh, for securing an additional $70 million in funding for 9/11 health programs," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Many first responders, community members and others who suffer from exposure to contaminants after 9/11 rely on this critical federal funding. The attack on September 11th was an attack on our nation, and we are grateful that our delegation and the Congressional Appropriations Committee continue to affirm their commitment to ensuring these programs remain intact and those who need the healthcare they provide get it."

The omnibus package now heads to the Senate, where Democratic leaders have agreed on the new spending plan. It will be sent to President Obama's desk if it passes the Senate.

New 9/11 Health Legislation Introduced in Congress

February 9, 2009

Read the press release

Health Department Expands 9/11 Health Online Data Tool

January 28, 2009

Read the press release

Medical Examiner Attributes Second Sarcoidosis-Related Death to WTC Collapse

January 23, 2009

New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) announced in January that Leon Heyward, an investigator for the Department of Consumer Affairs who was working in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, has been added to the list of those killed in the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. According to an OCME spokesperson, Heyward died of "lymphoma complicating sarcoidosis." This is the second sarcoidosis-related death attributed to WTC exposure by OCME. The death toll from the collapse of the WTC now stands at 2,752.

Heyward was caught in the immediate dust cloud that resulted from the WTC collapse while helping people evacuate from lower Manhattan on the day of the attacks. He developed systemic sarcoidosis, a rare form of the disease. His treatment included an immune suppresser drug which can sometimes lead to the development of cancer such as lymphoma. It is not clear whether Heyward's lymphoma developed as a result of his treatment.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder of unknown cause that commonly involves the lungs, skin, eyes, and/or lymph nodes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and/or wheeze. Diagnosis is generally by biopsy or typical chest X-ray, and treatment, which results in remission for two in three patients, typically includes corticosteroids or other immune suppresser drugs. One in three patients develop progressive disease. Fewer than five percent of sarcoidosis cases are fatal.

Treatment for 9/11-related sarcoidosis is available at New York City’s three WTC Centers of Excellence. The Health Department is currently conducting an in-depth follow-up study of persons with sarcoidosis in the WTC Health Registry. The Health Department also is conducting ongoing studies of all cancers and deaths potentially related to the events of 9/11/01.

New Program Helps WTC Health Registry Enrollees Quit Smoking

January 20, 2009

Through its new Cares Program, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry will offer a variety of tobacco cessation services to enrollees who currently smoke, depending on where they live. Research has shown an increase in cigarette smoking and an inability to quit among people who were directly exposed to the WTC disaster. For more information about the services now available to Registry enrollees, please call 888-WTC-QUIT (888-982-7848).
Read the press release