World Trade Center Health Program Resumes Treatments After Outcry
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring for first responders and survivors affected by the 9/11 attacks, has restarted enrollment and treatment services following recent setbacks. The program had faced disruptions due to the Trump administration's temporary funding cuts, which left many patients unable to access necessary care for weeks. Recently, a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official announced that all services could resume, allowing healthcare providers to process enrollments, issue certifications, and approve treatment plans again.
According to an email obtained by the Daily News, Lauren Cimineri, an HHS official, confirmed that the program was operational, and expedites had been processed. Dr. James Howard, the director of the WTC Health Program, who had been sidelined, has now been fully reinstated with authority to certify illnesses and approve treatments.
Bipartisan efforts, including advocacy from Congressman Andrew Garbarino, helped pressure the administration to reverse previous actions that hindered the program. Garbarino emphasized that covering the healthcare needs of 9/11 responders and survivors is essential, condemning any effort to jeopardize their access to care.
The initial disruptions followed a controversial move by the Trump administration that fired Dr. Howard and several staff members earlier this year amid government downsizing initiatives. Despite official statements indicating Howard's reinstatement, bureaucratic delays prevented him from resuming his duties, and many staffers were reportedly let go without clear assurances of rehiring.
Approximately 137,000 first responders and survivors depend on the program for treatment related to illnesses caused by exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, with over 83,000 diagnosed with at least one 9/11-related illness. The program's recent revival offers hope that those affected will receive the care they need after weeks of uncertainty.
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