News Articles on Effort to Ensure that the World Trade Center Health Program is Fully Funded

2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024

Below are URLs to news stories on the effort to have the World Trade Center Health Program fully funded.

December 20, 2024 — NY Daily News — Elon Musk’s shutdown: The world’s richest man’s meddling wrecks the Congress

The bill also had money to make solvent the World Trade Center Health Program. Without the funding, survivors and responders suffering from cancer and other ailments would see their care rationed.

December 19, 2024 — Rep. Andrew Garbarino — Northeast Republicans Reaffirm Commitment to World Trade Center Health Program

“Despite the temporary setback posed by funding negotiations, we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding this vital program.”

December 19, 2024 — New York Times — The Congresswoman Wore an F.D.N.Y. Jacket

Maloney, who represented a district that included the Upper East Side from 1993 until last year, did not expect the artist Sharon Sprung to paint her in the jacket.

December 18, 2024 — Queens Gazette — Former Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s Official Portrait To Be Unveiled

The celebration will recognize Mal­oney’s 30 years in Congress, and her service as the first woman to chair the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Joint Eco­nomic Committee.

December 18, 2024 — Newsday — Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands days before shutdown

Trump’s sudden entrance into the debate and new demands sent Congress spiraling as lawmakers are trying to wrap up work and head home for the holidays.

December 18, 2024 — NY Daily News — Federal government to permanently fund 9/11 health care program facing financial cliff

A federal budget bill coming up for a vote next week will include permanent funding for the World Trade Center Health Program through 2040, Sen. Chuck Schumer and other legislators announced.

December 18, 2024 — Sen. Chuck Schumer — Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Permanent Fed Funding Fix for World Trade Center Health Program to Resolve Funding Shortfall Which Supports 9/11 Heroes with Ongoing Health Issues in End of Year Budget

The senators said after years of securing short-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) he has finally secured permanent funding.

December 18, 2024 — Rockland/Westchester Journal News — 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program finally locks in permanent funding with budget

A change to a funding formula was aimed at solving ongoing shortfalls faced by the World Trade Center Health Program.

December 18, 2024 — NY Post — Former NY Rep. Carolyn Maloney honored for 9/11 work at Capitol with portrait of her in firefighter jacket

The 4-by-2 foot oil painting was unveiled to celebrate Maloney’s “iconic legacy as a champion” of 9/11 heroes and their families.

December 17, 2024 — Newsday — Permanent funding fix for World Trade Center Health Program included in budget bill, Schumer says

The inclusion of the funding fix in the short-term spending bill marks a major success for 9/11 first responders and survivors.

December 17, 2024 — News12 Long Island — Schumer: Permanent funding fix for WTC Health Program draws near

Schumer says the money will remedy the program’s deficit, which is projected to be around $3.5 billion.

December 17, 2024 — Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act — Statement on the Inclusion of 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act Components in the End of Year Health Care Extenders

“The peace of mind brought by today’s announcement is an early holiday gift for those that depend on the program. The impending crisis has been averted, and that should be celebrated.”

December 17, 2024 — Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand — Gillibrand Statement On Inclusion Of Provision For World Trade Center Health Program Funding In End-Of-Year Spending Package

“I’m thrilled that the end-of-year health extenders package includes a provision regarding funding for the World Trade Center Health Program that will help prevent a funding shortfall for years to come.”

December 15, 2024 — American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Prevalence of Mild and Severe Cognitive Impairment in World Trade Center Exposed Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and General Emergency Responders

There is a high prevalence of mild and severe cognitive impairment among WTC-responders, highlighting the role of exposures in the etiology of accelerated cognitive decline.

December 12, 2024 — Mount Sinai Hospital — The toxic legacy of 9/11: How combined exposures impacted World Trade Center responders’ health

The study highlights that working in high-risk environments, such as construction sites or areas contaminated with blood, significantly increased responders’ risks of developing health problems.

December 9, 2024 — Communications Medicine — The World Trade Center exposome and health effects in 9/11 rescue and recovery workers

We find a statistically significant association between the exposure mixture index and all investigated health outcomes.

December 8, 2024 — NY Post — Number of men with breast cancer near NYC’s Ground Zero skyrockets — now 90 times national average

The federal Centers for Disease Control reports that 91 men in the WTC Health Program have been diagnosed with breast cancer to date — 90 times higher than the national average

November 22, 2024 — Ogletree Deakins — New York State Expands Guidance for Employers to Notify Current and Former Workers of Potential 9/11 Benefits

The 9/11 Notice Act, which was signed on September 11, 2023, seeks to enhance awareness among 9/11 victims, including office, restaurant, and retail workers, about their eligibility for compensation.

November 9, 2024 — International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health — Chronic and Acute Pain and Adverse Economic Outcomes in a 9/11-Exposed Cohort

The objective of this study was to determine the association between acute and chronic pain and various economic and quality-of-life outcomes.

November 6, 2024 — The Broadsheet — The Cost of Care: Local Leaders Support Funding Push for World Trade Center Health Program

Community Board 1 is joining the campaign to boost the federal budget allocation for the World Trade Center Health Program.

November 5, 2024 — Officer.com — Retired N.Y. State Police Investigator Dies of 9/11-Related Illness

“He devoted his life to protecting the community and his commitment to the New York State Police will always be remembered,” the agency said of retired Senior Investigator John L. Carey.

October 31, 2024 — Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health — Characteristics of survivors enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program

As of 12/31/2022, there were 37,384 enrolled survivors. 24,148 (64.6%) were certified for at least one WTC-related condition; 22.9% were certified for more than one category.

October 18, 2024 — The Tribune-Democrat — New exhibit ‘Health Effects of 9/11’ opens at Flight 93 National Memorial

Thursday, the World Trade Center Health Program and the David J. Sencer CDC Museum unveiled the “Health Effects of 9/11” exhibition at the Flight 93 National Memorial Learning Center.

October 17, 2024 — WTAJ-TV — Flight 93 memorial exhibit reflects on health effects from attacks

The Flight 93 Memorial and the World Trade Center Health Program, in partnership with the Center for Disease Control, opened up a new exhibit that tells the stories of those affected by those fumes.

October 18, 2024 — ABC 23 WATM — World Trade Center Traveling Exhibit

The World Trade Center Health Program has opened a new traveling exhibit at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County.

October 15, 2024 — PIX 11 — 42 officers who died of 9/11 illnesses added to wall of heroes

In the years that have passed, more than the nearly 3,000 people killed on that day have lost their lives from 9/11-related illnesses, many of them first responders.

October 15, 2024 — NY Daily News — More than 40 NYPD officers who died, many from 9/11 illnesses, honored for their sacrifice

Mayor Adams praised the actions of the 42 NYPD officers, most who succumbed in recent years to illnesses related to the attacks and two dying due to complications after being shot.

October 9, 2024 — CBS 6 Albany — Honoring Fallen Firefighters: families still reeling 23 years after 9/11

It’s been over 23 years since the tragic event of 9/11 happened and to this day in 2024, it is still taking the lives of the firefighters that were there that day.

October 9, 2024 — NY Post — Heroic firehouse chaplain who died of 9/11-related cancer honored by FDNY at event for bravest lost this year

Rev. Monsignor John Delendick, of Ladder 170 — who buried hundreds of fallen firefighters over nearly three decades — was one of 14 FDNY members who died last year.

September 25, 2024 — Officer.com — NYPD Officer who Helped at Landfill after Attacks Dies of 9/11-Related Illness

NYPD Det. Sgt. Robert Fawcett, 64, had served with the agency for 21 years, and he helped with Sept. 11 recovery efforts at a Staten Island landfill that was reopened following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

September 21, 2024 — New York Post — NYPD officer who helped lead 9/11 recovery efforts ‘from day one’ at Staten Island landfill dies: ‘No better partner’

Detective Sgt. Robert Fawcett died of a 9/11-related illness on Sept. 14 and was laid to rest Saturday, said Vincent Vallelong, his longtime friend and Sergeants Benevolent Association president.

September 20, 2024 — Homeland Security Today — World Trade Center Health Program Begins Enrollments for Expanded Population of Pentagon and Shanksville Responders

Based on new authority from Congress, the World Trade Center Health Program has expanded enrollment to include responders who served at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

September 16, 2024 — NY Daily News — Missing in action for the WTC ill: Members of Congress must get on board

There is a shameful absence of far too many federal legislators who should be supporting full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.

September 16, 2024 — NewsNation — 9/11 officer battles cancer, denied pension benefits despite proof

Detective Sara Salerno, speaking exclusively to NewsNation, revealed she is battling triple-negative breast cancer that has affected her lymph nodes.

September 14, 2024 — Newsday — NY lawmakers move to shore up 9/11-linked death benefits

The federal government has not made any more payments as the costs to the pension systems have continued to mount.

September 13, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — Council’s resolution would compel city to release info about WTC toxic cloud

Brewer said she introduced the resolution to get answers for a community of survivors and heroes that has been seeking them for more than two decades.

September 13, 2024 — Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) — TWU Keeps Fighting for 9/11 First Responders

On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, TWU members and officers in New York City continued their years-long fight to get first responders the recognition and compensation they deserve.

September 12, 2024 — Communications Workers of America (CWA) — Remembering and Honoring Those Lost and Impacted by 9/11

The terrorist attack took the lives of CWA, NABET-CWA, and AFA-CWA members.

September 12, 2024 — Council Member Gail Brewer — Brewer to Introduce 9/11 Transparency Legislation

If passed, it would be the first time the City Council has invoked the authority granted by section 803 of the New York City Charter to direct DOI to conduct an investigation through a binding resolution.

September 12, 2024 — AFL-CIO — Service & Solidarity Action: 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding

Survivors of 9/11 live in every single state and in 434 of 435 U.S. congressional districts. Every member of Congress should support legislation to fully fund this program.

September 12, 2024 — KDKA News/CBS Pittsburgh — 23 years after 9/11, World Trade Center Health Program expands to more Flight 93 first responders

Around 150 people who responded in Shanksville have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program. But more than 1,000 responded to the crash site in the aftermath.

September 11, 2024 — Daily Mail — 9/11 firefighter deaths reach grim new milestone on 23rd anniversary

The grim new milestone comes as President Biden, Vice President Harris, and former President Trump are all expected to attend the anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero.

September 11, 2024 — WCAX-TV — Health Watch: 9/11 first responders now struggle with health consequences

Brattleboro Police Chief Norma Hardy was a part of the rescue and recovery effort on ground zero from September to around November. That’s when she got sick.

September 11, 2024 — WNYC — 23 Years after 9/11, women and children survivors are asking for more resources

Lila Nordstrom was one of the many students attending Stuyvesant High School on September 11, 2001 and is the founder of StuyHealth.

September 11, 2024 — NYC NOW (WNYC) — September 11, 2024: Evening Roundup

Janae Pierre talks with Benjamin Chevat, executive director of the group Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, about a potential funding shortfall for the World Trade Center Health Program.

September 11, 2024 — Nature Reviews Cancer — Managing cancer following the World Trade Center disaster

Twenty-three years post-disaster, we summarize cancer incidence and outcome studies in this population and highlight the importance of a dedicated health programme response.

September 11, 2024 — Rep. Andrew Garbarino — Garbarino, Nadler, D’Esposito, Goldman Introduce The ‘Continued Costs of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act’ To Aide FDNY and NYPD

This legislation would allow FEMA to reimburse the State and City pension systems for the loss in payments due to unanticipated deaths of those who responded and who participated in the clean-up.

September 11, 2024 — News10 ABC Albany — Federal bills introduced to help support 9/11 victims and families

New York State Congressional members are pushing for legislation to that would continue to help victims and their families all these years later.

September 11, 2024 — Government Executive — HHS expands health benefits eligibility for 9/11 responders under new rule

The interim final rule opens eligibility for the World Trade Center Health Program to resolve coverage gaps for Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, responders.

September 11, 2024 — NYU Langone Health — A 9/11 Responder’s Medical Saga & the Health Program That Covers His Care

“NYU Langone saved my life a bunch of times, and the World Trade Center Health Program has been nothing but great for me,” he insists.

September 11, 2024 — New York Times — The Fire Department’s Painful 9/11 Legacy

Since 2001, the department has lost more than 360 men to 9/11-related illnesses, a number greater than its death toll on Sept. 11.

September 11, 2024 — NJ Spotlight News — First responder: NJ lawmakers have forgotten 9/11 survivors

Val Velazquez-Stetz, a retired Jersey City police officer who responded to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, spoke with NJ Spotlight News about what she calls New Jersey’s failed promise to survivors.

September 11, 2024 — BBC — 9/11’s long legacy: How the attack on the World Trade Center is still claiming lives

It was after a month of working at Ground Zero that Elizabeth Cascio developed a cough that she couldn’t shift. Soon after that, she began to suffer sinus issues and headaches.

September 11, 2024 — NJ Spotlight News — 9/11 survivors, responders receive lifelong care

The program is funded federally through the Zadroga Act, and it allows them to monitor patients over the course of their lives.

September 11, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — Sept. 11th anniversary rouses efforts to fortify 9/11 victim fund

The fight to fully fund the federal government’s promise to cover the medical bills of people living with 9/11-related illnesses is ramping up 23 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

September 11, 2024 — Crain’s New York — Editorial: New York’s spirit is evident in continuing investigation of 9/11 impacts

It’s admirable that New York’s research community continues to dig into the lasting effects of that terrible day, especially as many of those affected are alive and can benefit from these discoveries.

September 11, 2024 — NY Daily News — The WTC aftermath continues: Congress must fully fund the WTC Health Program

Five years after Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda destroyed the World Trade Center and killed thousands on 9/11, in 2006, this column took up the cause of the resulting health disaster.

September 11, 2024 — NY Daily News — 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund helping more people than ever before

Twenty-three years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, the federal government is doling out more money to 9/11 illness sufferers than ever before.

September 11, 2024 — PIX11 News — New Jersey bill looks to help 9/11 first responders

Many first responders who were at ground zero after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 are still suffering from health issues 23 years later.

September 11, 2024 — Axios — More FDNY members have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed in attack

The FDNY added the name of 32 individuals who died from health issues stemming from the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center to its memorial wall, bringing the total number to over 360.

September 11, 2024 — NY Daily News — Hundreds of 9/11 FDNY first responders survived terror attacks, only to die from Ground Zero-related illnesses

Thomas LaBarbiera’s life’s ambition was realized on Sept. 11, 2001, when he was finally an FDNY firefighter racing to his first assignment. That same day, he was given a death sentence.

September 11, 2024 — World Trade Center Health Program — World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Begins Enrollments for Expanded Population of Pentagon and Shanksville Responders

The World Trade Center Health (WTC) Program has expanded enrollment to include additional responders who served on 9/11 at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

September 11, 2024 — Governor Kathy Hochul — Governor Hochul Launches Unprecedented Outreach Effort to Register Survivors of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks for Federal Benefits

The campaign includes a toolkit for businesses with instructions and information to share with current and former employees.

September 11, 2024 — World Trade Center Health Program — Today, We Reflect on September 11, 2001

It was a day of tragic national and personal loss, but also a day that displayed the strength and courage of those who were there.

September 11, 2024 — September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — Message from the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

While the resilience and collective healing within the 9/11 community are a paragon of strength and bravery, far too many continue to suffer from the long-term health effects of these attacks. 

September 11, 2024 — Washington Post — 9/11 responders are getting dementia. They want the government to help.

Research shows cognitive impairment is afflicting World Trade Center responders at higher rates than the general population.

September 11, 2024 — New York Times — 23 Years After 9/11, Families of Cancer Victims Fight for Benefits

Some families are still pushing for recognition after their loved ones died from cancer that they believe is linked to Sept. 11, but that the federal government won’t recognize as such.

September 11, 2024 — NY Daily News — NYC Council bill would lead to unearthing of long-sought 9/11 air toxin reports

A bill would direct the Department of Investigation to use its oversight powers to obtain records detailing what the city knew about toxic air conditions in Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

September 10, 2024 — Newsday — Meet Dr. Jacqueline Moline, who’s on front line of fight to heal 9/11-related health problems

Dr. Jacqueline Moline hasn’t walked in her patients’ shoes, but for 23 years, she has tried to walk alongside them.

September 10, 2024 — Staten Island Advance — FDNY advocates fear funding for program supporting those with 9/11-related illness will run out

Advocates for additional funding believe the answer to this issue comes in the form of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023.

September 10, 2024 — New York Post — Nearly 17K first responders are suffering cancers, diseases linked to 9/11 over two decades later

At least 45,200 civilians and officers are suffering from at least one cancer or disease that has been directly linked to the largest terrorist attack in history.

September 10, 2024 — Newsday — It’s past time for Congress to fully fund the 9/11 health program

The cloud of toxic ash and dust that filled the air lifted long ago, but families across the region continue to feel its tragic effects.

September 10, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — City Council proposing bill to release 9/11 air toxin reports

The City Council could be taking what some officials say is an unprecedented step to investigate the city’s response to the toxins released in Lower Manhattan in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

September 10, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — FDNY unions push legislation to plug 9/11 health care funding shortfall

The act would provide additional funding for the program through 2033 and create a new formula to determine funding amounts for the program from 2034 through 2090.

September 9, 2024 — Newsday — More names of residents lost to 9/11-related illnesses added to Oyster Bay’s Walls of Honor

It wasn’t until after her husband passed away from pancreatic cancer last Sept. 11 that Joni Cassio realized her community’s commitment to those who lost their lives because of the attacks.

September 9, 2024 — New York Post — 9/11 FDNY first responders killed by Ground Zero toxins rises to 370 — surpassing total that died on day of terror attack

In the past year alone, 28 more members of the FDNY have died from 9/11-related illness and officials expect the number to increase — as federal funding is on the verge of drying out by 2028.

September 9, 2024 — NY Daily News — FDNY firefighters urge Congress to fund long-term care for 9/11-related illnesses

FDNY firefighters are making what they hope will be their final plea to Congress for long-term healthcare funding for first responders suffering from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero.

September 9, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — Rep. Goldman: ‘It’s inexcusable’ NYC hasn’t released documents about 9/11 air quality

In the days after the terrorist attacks, Christine Todd Whitman, the head of the U.S. EPA at the time, declared the downtown air safe. It’s something she apologized for years later.

September 9, 2024 — Newsday — For some 9/11 first responders, the memories ‘are just not there’ after toxin exposure

The memory issues began subtly for Sept. 11 first responder Thomas Lenzo: A forgotten name, a missed appointment.

September 9, 2024 — CBS News New York — World Trade Center Health Program needs $3 billion in additional funding, 9/11 first responder advocates say

The World Trade Center Health Program was to be funded through 2090, but outspoken advocate John Feal says that money is running out.

September 7, 2024 — Newsday — New York delegation works to shore up health funding for 9/11 survivors

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) said they see a pathway for Congress this year to cover a projected $2.7 billion shortfall that would start at the end of 2027.

September 5, 2024 — Palm Coast Observer — Letter: Thousands still suffering from 9/11 toxins

“Every year around this time, I don’t just vividly remember the horror of 9/11, but I also appreciate my luck on that day years ago.”

September 5, 2024 — Gothamist — More FDNY responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses than the attack itself

On Sept. 11, 2001, 343 FDNY responders were killed, many as they rushed into burning, collapsing skyscrapers. Since that day, 363 more have died of illnesses related to the toxic work.

September 5, 2024 — MedicalXPress — World Trade Center exposure linked to increased DNA methylation

World Trade Center (WTC) exposure is associated with increased DNA methylation, which may contribute to breast cancer.

September 4, 2024 — Rutgers University — U.S. Law Enforcement Officers Honor Director of Rutgers World Trade Center Health Program

Iris Udasin, a professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health, will be presented the “Service Above Self” award at 9/11 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

August 6, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — ‘Serious issues’: Flaws at 9/11 health program draw lawmakers’ attention

Lawmakers noted that some program members could not secure the annual monitoring exam to which they are entitled. There also appear to be “serious problems” with program providers getting paid.

August 5, 2024 — medRxiv — Prevalence of Mild and Severe Cognitive Impairment in World Trade Center Exposed Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and General Emergency Responders

There is a high prevalence of mild and severe cognitive impairment among WTC-responders.

August 1, 2024 — Patch – Mineola, NY — More Than $140K Stolen From 9/11 Victim In Investment Scam: Nassau DA

A man was indicted for allegedly posing as an investment broker and swindling a 9/11 victim and her widowed mother from Long Island out of more than $140,000.

July 30, 2024 — amNY — World Trade Center health program could face service cuts by 2028

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) will start turning away survivors and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks if a new bill securing more funding is not passed.

July 29, 2024 — Politico — Securing the World Trade Center Health Program’s future

The program that provides health services to 9/11 first responders and survivors could be forced to cut services and halt enrollment in 2028 if the federal government does not allocate more funding.

July 29, 2024 — NY Daily News — Fund the WTC Health Program: Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Johnson need to get the House to pass the bill this year

The bill is needed to pump $2.9 billion into the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical care for the responders and survivors of 9/11.

July 27, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — WTC Health Program running out of money

Although it was reauthorized in 2015, program costs have increased more than was anticipated, in part because more sick and injured 9/11 responders and survivors have since enrolled.

July 25, 2024 — LoHud — 9/11 health program shortfall looms, again. Will Congress permanently fund it?

Without more money, the program could have to turn away people who were newly diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses by the end of 2027, Gillibrand said.

July 25, 2024 — Senate Democrats — Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Announcement Of New Legislation To Permanently Fund The World Trade Center Health Program

Sadly, the program has struggled with funding over the years. But today, we have some very good news, very good news.

July 25, 2024 — News 10 ABC — Lawmakers promise more funding for 9/11 first responders

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other New York lawmakers introduced a bill to provide permanent and mandatory funding for the program.

July 25, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — N.Y. lawmakers spearhead bill to make funding for World Trade Center Health Program permanent

“It’s absolutely insane that we’re still here fighting for what heroes deserve,” Nassau County Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, one of those advocating for the bill, said.

July 25, 2024 — Newsday — NY lawmakers introduce bill that would pump $3B into federal World Trade Health Center Program

The bill, introduced in the House and Senate, would fix an outdated funding formula and inject a final investment into the program to prevent a projected shortage of money beginning in 2028.

July 25, 2024 — Senator Kirsten Gillibrand — Gillibrand, Schumer, Garbarino, Goldman, D’Esposito Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation To Fix World Trade Center Health Program Funding Shortfall

The bill updates an outdated funding formula to prevent a future funding shortfall and ensure that survivors and first responders don’t lose access to care.

July 25, 2024 — Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act — Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Braun and Representatives Garbarino, Nadler, D’Esposito and Goldman Introduce Legislation to Deal with the Impending Funding Shortfall Facing the World Trade Center Health Program

The bill will address the impending budget shortfall in the program that is being caused by the precipitous rise in overall medical costs and in cancer rates that the program has experienced.

July 22, 2024 — TAPInto Milburn/Short Hills — Short Hills Resident Suggests Adding Wording About Survivors to 9/11 Memorial

She explained that her husband was exposed to toxins that he inhaled from the burning pile after returning to downtown Manhattan to work.

July 17, 2024 — WCBS-AM — More 9/11 related illnesses to be added to list by the World Trade Center Health Program

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is expected to add more 9/11 related illnesses covered by the World Trade Center Health Program.

July 17, 2024 — Newsday — Free care for heart, autoimmune problems after 9/11 toxin exposure? A decision is coming

The decision from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is expected in the next several months, according to an agency spokeswoman.

July 11, 2024 — News12 The Bronx — Benefit concert held to expand memorial for those who died from 9/11-related illnesses

A benefit concert at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack Thursday raised funds to build a new wall.

July 7, 2024 — Newsday — New dementia study shows why 9/11 health program must be fully funded

The study showed that 228 of 5,000 first responders studied developed dementia. Experts would expect the diagnosis in only five of 5,000 similarly aged people in the general population.

July 2, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — Two city agencies claim to have no 9/11 air quality documents. City Hall admits it’s withholding them

The Department of Environmental Protection and NYC Emergency Management have responded. Both claimed they have no documents. However, a spokeswoman from City Hall confirmed otherwise.

June 30, 2024 — News 12 Brooklyn — Kevin Canavan, Nassau’s chief of patrol, dies of 9/11-related cancer

Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder called him a “cop’s cop.”

June 29, 2024 — KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM — SLC fire captain passes away in Green River

The Salt Lake City Fire Department said Saturday that Captain Michael Harp passed away unexpectedly, in what appeared to be a rafting accident along the Green River.

June 29, 2024 — American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Cross-sectional association between posttraumatic stress and cognition is moderated by pulmonary functioning in world trade center responders

In the presence of higher PTSD, better pulmonary functioning is associated with better cognitive performance.

June 25, 2024 — Newsday — Suit by 9/11 watchdog: What did NYC leaders knew about toxins and when

The lawsuit names the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and comes after the nonprofit and others requested the records in 2023 but were denied.

June 23, 2024 — Gothamist — 9/11 survivor group sues NYC for documents on Ground Zero toxins

The lawsuit was filed by the nonprofit 9/11 Health Watch, whose 2023 freedom of information requests were repeatedly denied by city agencies.

June 19, 2024 — International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health — The Association between Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity with Home Evacuation of Lower Manhattan Residents following the 9/11/2001 World Trade Center Disaster

We used log binomial regression to assess the relative risks of not evacuating from their home following the 9/11 attacks, adjusting for age, gender, and marital status.

June 18, 2024 — News 12 Westchester — Veteran Westchester firefighter dies after two-year battle with 9/11-related cancer

Former Greenville Fire Chief Daniel Raftery died on Sunday. He was 74 years old.

June 17, 2024 — Becker’s Health IT — MD Anderson joins 9/11 support initiative amid controversy

On June 14, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center took to X to release another statement, saying it would participate in the World Trade Center Health Program Network.

June 16, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — 9/11 responders with high dust exposure have increased dementia risk

People who were exposed to the toxic dust are developing early onset dementia at a higher rate than those who had no exposure or wore protective equipment.

June 14, 2024 — Modern Healthcare — MD Anderson to join program for 9/11 responders after controversy

In a statement Friday afternoon, the Houston-based cancer center said it would join the World Trade Center Health Program. 

June 13, 2024 — Newsday — Stony Brook University 9/11 study: Dementia spike among Ground Zero responders

First responders at Ground Zero show a far higher rate of dementia than the general population and are a reminder of the “devastating consequences” from working at the pile, according to a new study.

June 12, 2024 — Stony Brook University News — Study Shows Increased Rates of Dementia in 9/11 Responders with More Exposure to Toxins

A new study that evaluates more than 5,000 WTC responders indicates that those who had more exposures to WTC-related toxins have dementia at a higher rate than other responders.

June 12, 2024 — Modern Healthcare — MD Anderson accused of cutting off sick 9/11 responders

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is disrupting care for three dozen patients sickened while responding to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack over a payment dispute, the advocacy organization 9/11 Health Watch alleges.

June 12, 2024 — JAMA Network Open — Incidence of Dementia Before Age 65 Years Among World Trade Center Attack Responders

In this cohort study including 5010 World Trade Center general responders aged a median of 53 years, the incidence of dementia before age 65 was higher in responders who were more severely exposed.

June 12, 2024 — CBS News — 9/11 first responders with severe debris exposure have higher risk of dementia, study finds

Researchers at Stony Brook University in New York found severe exposure to building debris was significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia before age 65.

June 11, 2024 — Daily Mail — Rudy Giuliani’s lawyer says former NYC mayor may have a lung disease related to 9/11

Attorneys Gary C. Fischoff and Joan A. Keely, acting on behalf of Giuliani, alleged in a 17-page court filing that the politician’s potential condition could limit his ‘future health’ and ‘future earning capacity’.

June 3, 2024 — Utica Observer Dispatch — Former Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks dies at age 75; responded to Ground Zero after 9/11

The city went on to say Brooks dedicated his career to the residents of Utica and put his life into making the Utica Fire Department the best in the country.

May 31, 2024 — FDNY — FDNY Leadership visits new September 11th exhibit on the anniversary of the end to rescue efforts at Ground Zero

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and other FDNY officials visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Thursday, May 30, 2024, to view a new exhibit.

May 31, 2024 — The Journal News — Westchester officials, loved ones commemorate 9/11 first responders lost to illness

Members of Westchester County’s First Responders 9/11 Health-Related Illnesses Committee and other county officials came together on the solemn anniversary.

May 31, 2024 — amNY — 9/11 Memorial ceremony sheds light on health issues still plaguing rescue workers

Although May 30, 2002, marked the end of recovery efforts at Ground Zero, the health issues that would plague many rescue workers and civilians for years to come were only just beginning. 

May 24, 2024 — 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Illness and Advocacy After 9/11

“Dust: Illness and Advocacy After 9/11” is a new installation exploring the impacts of the toxic dust that blanketed city streets and coated the insides of homes, businesses, and schools in the area.

May 23, 2024 — SurvivorNet — Heroic Police Officer, 60, Was Among the First To Respond to 9/11 Attacks, Now Decades Later He’s Battling Cancer Linked to Ground Zero

He is among thousands of people in and around Ground Zero on that horrific day that dealt with lingering health effects many years later.

May 17, 2024 — WNYT NewsChannel 13 — State trooper who died from 9/11-related illness memorialized in Washington

New York State Trooper Nicholas Georgeadis, 52, from Wilton died last year from a 9/11 related illness. Now he’ll be forever etched in our nation’s memory.

May 16, 2024 — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer — Gottheimer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Victims of Terrorism

The act has been broadly endorsed by 9/11 victims’ advocacy groups, including 9/11 Children for Justice, 9/11 Justice, 9/11 Families United, and the Family Steering Committee of the 9/11 Commission.

May 16, 2024 — Spectrum News NY1 — Rep. Lawler introduces bill aimed at shoring up terror victim compensation fund

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday to shore up a fund that compensates victims of terror attacks, including Sept. 11.

May 15, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — ‘Revived’ 9/11 Worker Protection panel remains dormant

Although state lawmakers in 2020 passed legislation reconvening a 9/11 worker’s protection task force, none of state officials responsible for nominating the panel’s members appear to have done so.

May 15, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — City transit workers still awaiting 9/11 disability benefits

Although a profusion of state and federal legislation granted disability benefits to civil service workers who worked at the site, city transit workers have so far been shut out.

May 8, 2024 — London Review of Books — Dallas Penn

Penn never stopped playing the fool, and was so funny and self-effacing it was easy to overlook how smart and pointed he was.

May 7, 2024 — Lung — Interstitial Lung Disease and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: a World Trade Center Cohort 20-Year Longitudinal Study

The prevalence of post-9/11 ILD was more than two-fold greater than the general population.

May 1, 2024 — World Trade Center Health Program — Youth Research Cohort Update: The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program’s Youth Research Cohort Will Include Individuals Who Were in Utero at the Time of Their 9/11 Exposures

The WTC Health Program is incorporating this change into Youth Research Cohort program materials.

April 20, 2024 — NY Daily News — After being snubbed by city, attorneys plan to sue for docs on 9/11 toxins

Several lead city agencies in the city’s investigation of Ground Zero air quality have denied attorneys Andrew Carboy and Matthew McCauley’s Freedom of Information Law requests for the information.

April 11, 2024 — New York Times — The Man Who Kept The Times’s Lights On

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Mr. Dimmock’s union assigned him to work at ground zero, where he climbed through rubble and smoldering ash. The ruins were so hot that the rubber from his shoes melted.

April 9, 2024 — Rep. Jerry Nadler — Nadler and Goldman Call on NYC Mayor Eric Adams to Release Giuliani Administration Records on the City’s Knowledge of the Scope of the Health Threats to 9/11 Responders and Survivors

“Countless first responders continue to deal with the health impacts of the toxins that were in the air. The City dishonors these men and women, many now dead, by refusing to open its 9/11 files.”

March 27, 2024 — PIX11 News — Doctor uses advanced tech to detect 9/11-related cancers

A Manhattan doctor uses state-of-the-art technology to help early detection of cancers in firefighters and others.

March 26, 2024 — Asbury Park Press — 9/11 fatally poisoned firefighter from Ocean Township, but he battled for 23 more years

The 62-year-old Ocean Township resident died Saturday after battling pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and several other illnesses directly related to the post-9/11 cleanup.

March 22, 2024 — Annals of Case Reports — Mesothelioma Cases in the World Trade Center Survivors

Malignant mesothelioma, originating from the lining cells (mesothelium) of the peritoneal and pleural cavities, is one complication associated with asbestos exposure.

March 22, 2024 — Patch (Sachem, NY) — LI Blood Drive Honors 9/11 Cancer Victim Cop, ‘Dedicated Family Man’

The 36-year Farmingville resident was a consistent blood and plasma donor, understanding the importance of giving back to the community.

March 22, 2024 — CBS News — Remembering Capt. Randy Gross: One of an ever growing list of firefighters lost to cancer

Gross died of job-related cancer on March 17 after serving with the Sacramento Metro Fire Department for nearly three decades. He leaves behind a loving wife, Donna, and four children.

March 10, 2024 — CBS News New York — NYC overpass renamed for Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos Pallas, who died from 9/11-related cancer

A Port Authority Police officer who died from 9/11-related cancer will forever be remembered in Queens.

March 10, 2024 — 8AM Media — “We can finally exhale”: Women left out of 9/11 benefits eligible for health care, compensation

The decision to add uterine cancer came after multiple stories from The Fuller Project and its partners about how women were systemically left out of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

March 5, 2024 — KGW8 Portland — Retired Oregon incident commander needs double lung transplant 2 decades after responding to Ground Zero

“I wasn’t diagnosed with it until fairly later, and then it went boom.”

February 26, 2024 — The Daily Mail — I’m the psychiatrist who helped the 9/11 first responders overcome their trauma – here’s what they taught me about staying resilient

Initially, I had thought of optimism as something one was either born with or not. However, over time, I realized that while genetics did play a role, the rest was up to us. 

February 26, 2024 — NY Daily News — Mayor Adams won’t release 9/11 toxin reports until NYC’s liability risk determined

An Adams spokesman said a legal review is needed first.

February 23, 2024 — Newsday — September 11th Victim Compensation Fund decided more claims, paid most money in 2023

The fund has awarded $12.8 billion to over 56,600 claimants since being reactivated in 2011 and last year decided more claims and issued more reward dollars than in any prior year.

February 21, 2024 — World Trade Center Health Program — Recently Passed Legislation Expands World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Eligibility for Pentagon and Shanksville Responders

The NDAA amends the Zadroga Act to expand eligibility to include certain active duty, retired, or reserve members of the military, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, or certain DOD contractors.

February 20, 2024 — Healio — Lung function decline after World Trade Center exposure raises risk for mortality

Over time, reductions in lung function following exposure to WTC dust heighten the risk for all-cause and cancer-cause mortality, according to results published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

February 18, 2024 — NY Daily News — NYC agencies say they have no data on 9/11 toxins — ‘preposterous,’ reply Ground Zero victims’ advocates

An attempt to learn more about the deadly toxins kicked into New York City’s atmosphere after the 9/11 terror attacks has so far been shut down by city government.

February 17, 2024 — Spectrum News 1 — Rochester area honors N.Y. state trooper taken by 9/11-related illness

New York state troopers gathered with residents of the Rochester area Saturday to mourn the loss and honor the life of Trooper Steven Tyrrell, who passed away earlier this month from cancer.

February 13, 2024 — PloS One — Inflammatory markers in world trade center workers with asthma: Associations with post traumatic stress disorder

Our results suggest that PTSD is not associated with blood and sputum inflammatory markers in WTC workers with asthma.

February 12, 2024 — September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — VCF 2023 Annual Report

This report summarizes the VCF’s 12th year of operation, and focuses on the significant changes, challenges, and achievements of 2023.

February 7, 2024 — ABC 7 NY — New York State Trooper dies from 9/11-related illness after working at WTC site

Trooper Steven A. Tyrrell, 58, was assigned to New York City to aid in the search and recovery efforts.

February 6, 2024 — OncLive — The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening in Individuals Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster

Our study findings demonstrate that beginning lung cancer screening at the age of 50 years and in those with fewer pack-years likely contributes to improved survival after a lung cancer diagnosis.

January 31, 2024 — Newsday — Funeral for Joseph Zadroga, advocate for health benefits for 9/11 first responders sickened at Ground Zero

Zadroga, 76, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, was struck and killed earlier this month in a hospital parking lot where he had been visiting his ailing wife.

January 31, 2024 — NJ Spotlight News — Push for new avenue to compensation for NJ 9/11 responders

“We owe it to the heroes of 9/11 to ensure they are duly compensated, no matter how much time has passed since the September 11th attacks,” Sen. Joseph Lagana (D-Bergen) said in a statement.

January 30, 2024 — NBC 6 South Florida — 9/11 first responder who advocates for firefighters’ health diagnosed with cancer

Retired FDNY Chief Richard Alles lives a healthy lifestyle and is an avid runner.

January 30, 2024 — NorthJersey.com — ‘He was selfless’: Hundreds mourn Joseph Zadroga, advocate for Ground Zero survivors

After his son’s death in 2006, Joe Zadroga essentially put his retirement on hold and became a prime advocate for increased federal health benefits for those suffering from Ground Zero health issues.

January 29, 2024 — Roll Call — Johnson’s plan to expedite tax deal already faces backlash

The possibility of a suspension vote, which would allow leadership to limit floor debate and amendments, angered both blue state Republicans and the right flank of the party.

January 25, 2024 — New Jersey Senate Democrats — Lagana, Scutari Bill Securing Workers’ Comp Benefits for 9/11 Responders Passes Committee

Under the bill, responders would be eligible for benefits, regardless of when the claim is filed, provided that the worker was treated or monitored through the World Trade Center Health Program.

January 25, 2024 — The Citizen — Former NY environmental police officer in Cayuga, Onondaga counties dies of 9/11 illness

David McShane died of cancer linked to his service at ground zero in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

January 25, 2024 — NorthJersey.com — NJ lawmakers move to guarantee health care access for 9/11, Ground Zero survivors

The legislation would provide workers’ compensation benefits to public safety employees who experienced any illness or injury or died as a result of their participation in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.

January 22, 2024 — WKBW 7 Buffalo — New York leads nation in law enforcement fatalities, most linked to 9/11 related illnesses

136 federal, state and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty compared to 224 officers in 2022.

January 22, 2024 — The Broadsheet — Growing Up Under a Cloud: Jan. 29 Deadline for Public Comment on Youth Cohort for World Trade Center Health Program

The program proposes to track the health of people exposed as children to toxic debris from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

January 18, 2024 — NY Daily News — 9/11 victim John Ballantine Niven identified through DNA

He is the 1,650th victim to be positively identified.

January 18, 2024 — Newsday — Petition asks that World Trade Center Health Program cover neuropathy

Anthony Falsetta of West Islip can still recall the cloud of toxic dust engulfing much of lower Manhattan on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, just moments after the fall of the south tower.

January 17, 2024 — New York Times — Joseph Zadroga, Who Championed 9/11 Emergency Workers, Dies at 76

After the death of his son, a police detective, was linked to toxins at the World Trade Center site, he helped win federal benefits for other emergency responders.

January 16, 2024 — Insider NJ — Former NJ Police Chief Mourned Who Stood up and Prevailed on 9/11 WTC Health Issue

Advocates like Joe Zadroga had to overcome tremendous resistance from the City of New York which had supported the false representation that the air around the WTC site was “safe to breathe.”

January 15, 2024 — The Chief-Leader — Joseph Zadroga, who fought for 9/11 survivors’ benefits, dies

Joseph Zadroga was standing alongside his car Saturday afternoon in a hospital parking lot when the driver of an SUV pulling into a space accelerated and struck him.

January 15, 2024 — The Journal of Rheumatology — Systemic sclerosis in individuals with exposure to World Trade Center ground-zero rescue/recovery efforts: A case series

A high frequency of ILD and overlap features were observed among SSc patients with WTC exposure.

January 14, 2024 — Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home — Obituary: Joseph Zadroga

After losing his son James, Joe became a fierce advocate to insure that the immediate responders and their families would be recognized, understood and compensated for their patriotic and brave service.

January 14, 2024 — New York Post — Grieving father Joseph Zadroga, who helped create 9/11 compensation fund, dies in freak parking lot accident

Joseph Zadroga, 76, of Little Egg Harbor, has been credited with spearheading the Zadroga Act for 9/11 families which helped deliver much-needed funds to the families of first responders.

January 14, 2024 — Newsday — Joseph Zadroga hit, killed by SUV; Son’s death led to 9/11 compensation

Zadroga, 76, had just left his wife’s bedside at a hospital in Galloway Township to get Christmas presents from his 2015 Hyundai Tucson when he was hit in the parking lot by a 2021 Nissan SUV.

January 14, 2024 — NY Daily News — Joseph Zadroga, father of fallen 9/11 first responder, fatally struck in N.J.

Joseph Zadroga, a tireless warrior for Sept. 11 first responders and the father of the first cop whose death was attributed to a Ground Zero-related illness, was fatally struck by an SUV in New Jersey.

January 10, 2024 — Business Insurance — New Jersey lawmakers file 9/11 first responder workers comp bill

The bill was sent to the Senate Labor Committee for consideration.

January 10, 2024 — The Broadsheet — Putting a Price on Survival: Additional Half Billion Dollars for World Trade Center Health Program

The funding formulas have failed to keep pace with the anticipated costs of providing the program’s services because of the evolving nature of the health problems it is being called upon to treat.

January 8, 2024 — SILive.com — Rep. Malliotakis announces new health-care funding for 9/11 first responders, survivors

The congresswoman made the announcement in front of FDNY’s Rescue 5/Engine 160 firehouse in Concord on Friday as she stood among dozens of first responders.

January 7, 2024 — WHIO TV 7 — Navy hero from Ohio awarded for his actions on 9/11 passes away

After Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, Captain Kern and Undersecretary Livingstone made their way into a hallway that was filled with smoke. He prevented the group from being trapped in the fire.

January 2, 2024 — Newsday — Congress should make funding for the 9/11 health program permanent

Federal officials are still filling the World Trade Center Health Program’s budget holes piecemeal.

January 1, 2024 — American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Normal Lung Function and Mortality in World Trade Center Responders and NHANES III Participants

A single cross-sectional measurement of FEV1 is predictive of mortality over two decades, even when FEV1 is in the normal range.