By Luke Peteley
Staten Island Advance
NEW YORK — Ahead of the solemn day of remembrance that is Sept. 11, firefighters and advocates for first responders are calling for legislators to extend funding for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program.
The WTC Health Program is a limited federal health program that provides no-cost medical monitoring and treatment for those with certified WTC-related health conditions resulting from exposure to toxins from the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as defined by NYC.gov.
This program was approved through 2090. However, as reported by CBS, first responder advocates say its funding is running out.
Congress initially created the fund in 2010 and reauthorized it in 2015, according to the report. While the fund supplied $1.6 billion to those in need, advocates reportedly claim $3 billion more is required to take care of the more than 132,000 individuals who are a part of the program.
On the day of Sept. 11, 2001, 343 members of the FDNY lost their lives, and now, just days ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, Spectrum News reports that 370 firefighters who responded to the scene at the World Trade Center have died due to 9/11-related illness, 28 who passed away this year.
The FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association says that unless action is taken, the WTC Health Program will need to stop accepting members by 2028, ultimately cutting support for all those members struggling with or expected to struggle with 9/11-related illness, as noted by Spectrum News.
Advocates for additional funding believe the answer to this issue comes in the form of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) would provide funding for the WTC Health Program through 2033 and implement a new formula for determining funding amounts from 2034 through 2090.
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the FDNY added 32 names to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall for deaths from 9/11-related illnesses. Among those remembered were five members of the FDNY who either lived on Staten Island, formerly lived on the Island or were assigned to work here.
“The 32 members we honor today and the many, many names that did not hesitate to respond on September 11th and then search for days and weeks for their missing colleagues, friends and civilians,” Acting Chief of Department John Esposito said.
“In 2001, they knew they had a job to do, and they were selfless in their dedication. They did not think of themselves as they ran toward danger. They upheld the finest traditions of this department — bravery, honor and call to service,” added Esposito.
The inscription on the Memorial Wall reads: “Dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center .”
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