Advocates Demand Answers on Gutted 9/11 Health Program

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Advocates for the 9/11 community are calling for a hearing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary after staffers at the federal World Trade Center Health Program were reassigned to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Indian Health Service. The program has already seen a more than 25% drop in personnel.

Why it matters

The World Trade Center Health Program provides critical health services to 9/11 responders and survivors. Advocates are concerned that the staffing reassignments and personnel drops will lead to delays and cutbacks in care for those who rely on the program.

The details

At least two staffers, including the deputy director of the program, have been temporarily reassigned to ICE and the Indian Health Service. Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., has written a letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy requesting a 'congressional briefing' about how 'operational challenges are limiting access to care for responders and survivors.' The reassignments, LaLota said, 'further exacerbate the program staff shortage and harmful wait times for patients'.

• The World Trade Center Health Program has seen more than a 25% drop in personnel.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Advocates are demanding a hearing with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy to discuss the concerns about delays and cutbacks at the World Trade Center Health Program.