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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) today urged first responders and volunteers who participated in the rescue, recovery or cleanup effort after the attacks of September 11, 2001 to apply for benefits from the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Those who wish to apply can get more information at http://nycosh.org/wtc/or by calling 855-4WTC-AID. The WTC Health Program was established by the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2011.

“In one of our nation’s darkest hours, we witnessed awesome acts of selflessness and courage displayed by our state’s and nation’s first responders and volunteers,” said Tonko. “It is critical that those who rushed to action without thinking are taken care of in their hour of need. I was proud to support and fight for the passage of the Zadroga Act, and I am glad New Yorkers are finally seeing its benefits.”

Under the WTC Health Program, people exposed to the toxins from the collapse of the World Trade Center are eligible for medical screening, treatment and medicine at no cost to themselves. First responders and volunteers who participated in the rescue, recovery or cleanup effort after 9/11 may qualify for these benefits even if they show no signs of illness.  Others who lived, worked or attended school near the site also can receive screening and care at no charge, but only if they experience symptoms. People are eligible regardless of immigration status and where in the country they now live.

Since the attacks, more than 1,100 people who were near the World Trade Center in the months following 9/11 have been diagnosed with cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Others suffer from respiratory disease, digestive ailments such as GERD and other illnesses, including mental health conditions.

Many of those affected do not realize their disease is related to the time they spent near Ground Zero, and since symptoms may not be apparent for years, hundreds, if not thousands, more may be at risk of developing 9/11-related illnesses in the future.The program will accept applications until 2016, but if you think you were affected, you should act now to get the care you need and deserve.

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