More than 23 years after the Twin Towers fell, the number of individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses continues to rise, with about 132,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program as of December. This program covers various health issues, including cancer, asthma, and PTSD; over 64% of enrollees have at least one condition linked to the disaster, with cancer affecting more than 40,000 members.
Recently, staffing issues have impacted the program’s operations. In a span of ten weeks, the Trump administration repeatedly fired and reinstated staff, ultimately laying off around 20,000 federal employees, including crucial workers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These cuts have hindered enrollment and certification processes, delaying treatment and screenings for patients. Lawyers warn these delays could lead to severe health consequences, stating, “People will die because of these decisions.”
Michael O’Connell, a firefighter involved in rescue operations after 9/11, reflected on his own health struggles due to toxic exposure, highlighting concerns over potential treatment delays for new patients. The Health Program was already under pressure from funding limitations, exacerbated by Congress’s failure to include long-term financial support in recent budgets. Activists are advocating for reinstatement of staff and legislative support for a bipartisan bill aimed at securing funding through 2090.
As the situation stands, no new enrollees have been accepted since April 1, and advocates emphasize that timely treatment is critical for conditions developed from 9/11 exposures, which include various cancers linked to the toxic dust. The ongoing budget constraints and staffing challenges may jeopardize the program’s ability to provide essential services for affected individuals.
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