Statement From WTC Health Program Administrator John Howard, M.D. Commemorating 21 Years Since September 11, 2001

Each year the country observes a National Day of Service and Remembrance to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the lives lost, and the bravery and resilience shown on that day and in the years after.

Twenty-one years later, we honor the thousands more who have tragically lost their lives to health conditions stemming from their exposure to hazards and toxins in the weeks and months after 9/11. Many responders and survivors suffer from ongoing health impacts as well. Even now, enrollments in the World Trade Center Health Program are increasing and new members are being diagnosed with World Trade Center-related health conditions for the first time.

As we enter the third decade since 9/11, we are honored and humbled to continue to serve the 9/11 community. At the World Trade Center Health Program, we are inspired by the sacrifice and courage that this community continues to demonstrate. We commit ourselves each day to our mission of providing no out-of-pocket cost medical monitoring and treatment of World Trade Center-related physical and mental health conditions to our members.

In addition to providing health services, the Program educates the public and 9/11 community about the Program and the 9/11-related health issues many responders and survivors experience. Recently, we partnered with the David J. Sencer CDC Museum to launch Health Effects of 9/11, an online exhibition devoted to raising awareness about the ongoing health effects linked to 9/11 exposures and to tell the moving stories of those impacted.

We are still here for you, and we will never forget.

Click here for a related video.

John Howard, M.D.

Administrator, World Trade Center Health Program

About the World Trade Center Health Program

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment services to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors for certified WTC-related health conditions. Care is available throughout the country with several Clinical Centers of Excellence in the NY metropolitan area and a Nationwide Provider Network.

The WTC Health Program has surpassed 118,000 enrolled members, with over 83,500 responders and over 34,500 survivors as of June 30, 2022. Over 60% of members have at least one certified WTC-related health condition.

Top conditions certified by the Program include chronic rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cancers, asthma, sleep apnea, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For more information about WTC Health Program, including how to apply, covered conditions, Program statistics, and information on WTC-related research, please visit the WTC Health Program website.