9/11 Health Program Faces Cuts, Delays Amid First Responder Crisis

Concerns Rise Over Underfunding of 9/11 First Responders' Health Program

As the United States marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, concerns are surfacing about the current administration's commitment to the promise of "never forgetting." The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), designed to care for 9/11 first responders and survivors, is reportedly facing significant challenges, a situation that may compromise the health of those who risked their lives during and after the attacks.

In recent months, the WTCHP has been grappling with underfunding and staff reductions, impacting the timely delivery of medical care to individuals exposed to harmful substances at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many first responders and survivors are experiencing delays in receiving essential treatments for conditions such as asthma, PTSD, and various cancers.

The WTCHP, managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), serves over 125,000 individuals affected by the 9/11 attacks. However, recent budget constraints have led to prolonged wait times for medical appointments, highlighting the program's need for adequate resources.

Lawmakers Demand Action

This summer, New York lawmakers addressed a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressing their dismay over the program's staffing shortages and operational hurdles. Their message was clear: "This is unacceptable. Individuals with 9/11-related conditions should not have to rely on repeated uproars from the public and the media to obtain the care they are owed under the law and so desperately need."

In a follow-up communication, six U.S. senators criticized the program for not assessing additional health conditions related to 9/11 exposures. They emphasized that the delay "harms the ability of the first responders who heroically responded to 9/11 to get the health care they need and are entitled to." Furthermore, the advisory board responsible for certifying new health issues has been inactive since the current administration took office.

Union Voices Urgency for Solutions

Labor unions, particularly AFSCME, are vocal about the critical situation facing the WTCHP. They have long warned about staffing cuts and their detrimental effects on program participants. With hundreds seeking treatment monthly, the shortage of personnel to certify new entrants is causing significant bottlenecks.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has reiterated the union's commitment to supporting 9/11 first responders, stating, “‘Never Forget’ means we must continue to honor their service and sacrifice, with actions and not just words.” The AFL-CIO, noting that at least 600 of its members perished on 9/11, is also pressing for immediate action.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has called upon the administration and Congress to address these issues by reinstating NIOSH staff, restoring WTCHP’s full operations, and enacting the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act to ensure the program is sufficiently funded.