2023 Day of Service and Remembrance: Statement from Program Administrator, John Howard, MD

The events of September 11, 2001 devastated Americans 22 years ago. However, in the face of this tragedy we saw bravery, resilience, and hope in the actions of responders and survivors of those events. Today, the nation gathers together to observe this solemn National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The World Trade Center Health Program honors all people impacted by 9/11. We remember those who lost their lives, those who survived, and all who responded with courage and selflessness at the World Trade Center (WTC), the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. To this day, we know that many still deal with health impacts, whether from injuries or illness.

We are privileged to help those affected on that day and the days after, as we provide quality healthcare at no out-of-pocket cost. There are over 125,000 members currently enrolled in the Program, and over 77,000 members diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions related to their 9/11 experience.

With more than 400,000 people estimated to have been exposed to toxins or suffer from physical or mental health conditions as result of 9/11, our work and commitment to provide compassionate WTC-related care continues.

As we continue in our mission, we are inspired by the stories of all the survivors and responders we serve. This year, we announce the opening of ‘Health Effects of 9/11,’ a new exhibition at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) David J. Sencer Museum in Atlanta. The exhibition, developed in collaboration with the 9/11 community, is devoted to telling the story of ongoing 9/11 health effects as well as the moving experiences of those impacted.

The exhibition is available to visit in person at the CDC Roybal Campus in Atlanta, Georgia, or a digital version can be viewed online.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the World Trade Center Health Program, please visit our website at www.cdc.gov/wtc or call us at 1-800-982-4748.