Powerful New Videos Encourage Those Who Qualify to Seek Care through the World Trade Center Health Program

Posted on by Melissa Van Orman, MA
Glenn, a retired New York City police officer, shares how the World Trade Center Health Program helped him regain his health.
Though the September 11th attacks were over a decade ago, thousands of people who were in the affected areas continue to experience physical and mental health symptoms as a result of their experience in the days, months, and even years following 9/11. They may not recognize that some cancers, a chronic cough, difficulty sleeping, or frequent heartburn that they— or their children— experience could be a 9/11 related health condition.

NIOSH is teaming up with our community partners to spread the word that help is available through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Created by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, the WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders at the World Trade Center and related sites in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, and for survivors who were in the New York City disaster area. All care for covered conditions is provided at no out of pocket costs for those who qualify.

The WTC Health Program has helped thousands regain their health following the September 11th terrorist attacks. This year the Program is launching a digital campaign to make sure that those who may qualify for care, but are not enrolled, get the help they need and deserve. The campaign features videos of members telling their stories. Both responders and survivors describe how their quality of life has dramatically improved through the care they received through the WTC Health Program.

You can view these powerful testimonials through the YouTube links below or at the WTC Health Program’s website. And if you choose, please share the videos to help us reach those who may need help.

Melissa Van Orman, MA

Ms. Van Orman is a Health Communication Specialist with the World Trade Center Health Program.

Below are the stories you’ll find at the WTC Health Program website. (Note:  This section has been updated to include new material).

Alex… After 9/11, Alex worked long days as a clean up worker in lower Manhattan, which took a serious toll on his health.

Bob…Bob lives in Lower Manhattan and became sick soon after the 9/11 attacks. The WTC Health Program helped him recover.

Cynthia…The WTC Health Program has helped thousands of responders, and residents and workers recover their health following the 9/11 attacks.

Florence…On 9/11, Florence escaped the south tower before it collapsed. She survived but was left with severe asthma and other health problems.

Glenn…Glenn, NYPD officer, helped others get the care they needed. The WTC Health Program then helped Glenn recover.

John…John, a construction and demolition worker lost half of his foot working at Ground Zero.

Lainie…Lainie worked in lower Manhattan—both on 9/11 and in the weeks that followed. The dust cloud left her with serious health problems.

Lillian…Lillian, a mom from the lower East side, found her family struggling with severe asthma following 9/11.

Morris…After 9/11 Morris volunteered for months with the recovery effort. He developed asthma and depression. He says The WTC Health Program helped save his life.

Nick & Allison…Nick worked in dust up to his knees for months trying to restore electricity after 9/11. He became severely ill and faced enormous health bills. The WTC Health Program gave Nick and his family hope.

Stanley…Stanley, a firefighter, was part of the rescue effort at the North Tower on 9/11. He survived but was left with breathing and other health problems. The WTC Health Program helped Stanley recover.

Posted on by Melissa Van Orman, MA

25 comments on “Powerful New Videos Encourage Those Who Qualify to Seek Care through the World Trade Center Health Program”

Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy ».

    El efecto sobre la salud de muchos contaminantes ambientales se presenta muchos años después de la exposición.
    Es importante tener en cuenta esta realidad.

    English translation from Google Translate added by NIOSH:
    The health effects of many environmental contaminants occur many years after exposure.
    It is important to note this fact.

    Thanks to WTC in helping people to regain their health condition and in order for the jobs to be widely known, WTC needs to give people good enlightenment about it using different means.

    am really glad I have found this info.A good web site with interesting content, that is what I need. You have done a outstanding job!

    Who could have thought such tragic event still physically effect people to this day. What a loss we’ve suffered.

    Yomi,

    A very good thing that the WTC has implemented. Maybe someone can set up a website for the survivors where they can be in touch with each other?

    Videos are really very impressive and encouraging. People who suffered in 9/11 attack should come ahead and take the advantage of the World Trade Center Health Program.

    Very impressive videos keep sharing more like this. Really very informative. Thank you so much for sharing with us…

    Who could have thought such tragic event still physically effect people to this day. What a loss we’ve suffered.

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Page last reviewed: March 2, 2017
Page last updated: March 2, 2017