HHS Reverses Staffing Cuts to 9/11 Survivors' Health Program

The World Trade Center Health Program will hire 37 more employees to reach a goal of 120 full-time workers.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the human respiratory system, representing the ongoing health issues faced by 9/11 first responders and survivors.An X-ray image reveals the lasting internal health impacts on 9/11 first responders and survivors, underscoring the importance of the World Trade Center Health Program.NYC Today

The Department of Health and Human Services has reversed staffing reductions at the World Trade Center Health Program, a crucial health care initiative that provides medical care for 9/11 first responders and survivors. After inquiries from New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, HHS approved the hiring of 37 additional employees to bring the program's staffing up to 120 full-time workers.

Why it matters

The World Trade Center Health Program is a vital resource for the thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors who continue to suffer from health issues related to the 2001 attacks. Staffing cuts had led to delays in claims processing, treatment authorizations, and the appeals process, forcing many to wait up to a year for resolution of their cases.

The details

In March, Gillibrand and Schumer had expressed concern about the firing of staff at the WTC Health Program, noting that while some had been rehired, others were reassigned to other agencies without explanation. At one point, the program's total staff fell to just 84 due to a hiring freeze that wasn't lifted until last October. The new funding and staffing increase will help the program address the backlog of cases and continue its important research into 9/11-related health issues.

  • In March, Gillibrand and Schumer sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern about the staffing cuts.
  • In early April, Kennedy told NY1 that the staffing issues were being 'fixed'.
  • In February, a $3 billion funding bill was passed to address a budget shortfall for the WTC Health Program.

The players

Kirsten Gillibrand

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New York who advocated for restoring staffing levels at the World Trade Center Health Program.

Chuck Schumer

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New York who joined Gillibrand in advocating for the WTC Health Program.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who oversaw the staffing changes at the WTC Health Program.

Rep. Garbarino

A Republican U.S. Representative from New York who praised the passage of a $3 billion funding bill to support the WTC Health Program.

World Trade Center Health Program

A health care initiative that provides medical care for 9/11 first responders and survivors.

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What they’re saying

“'9/11 first responders and survivors put their lives on the line when our nation was in its darkest hour. The World Trade Center Health Program serves as our commitment to them to address their resulting health care needs.'”

— Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator

“'I am pleased that WTCHP is staffing back up so they can serve our country's heroes and treat the many illnesses they now suffer due to their bravery on 9/11.'”

— Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator

“'We're fixing it.'”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services

“'This is what everybody wanted, and we got it.'”

— Rep. Garbarino, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The World Trade Center Health Program will continue to work to address the backlog of cases and conduct research into 9/11-related health issues now that its staffing levels have been restored.

The takeaway

The reversal of staffing cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program underscores the importance of maintaining adequate resources for this vital program that serves 9/11 first responders and survivors, many of whom continue to suffer from health problems stemming from the 2001 attacks.