This summer thousands of workers and volunteers who responded to
the World Trade Center attack will become eligible for free long-term
health screening through a government-sponsored study at the Mt. Sinai
School of Medicine in Manhattan. Eligible participants will be referred
to other health care providers for treatment.
"DC 37 members were among the men and women exposed to toxins
as they selflessly and valiantly kept this city going during and after
the Sept. 11 tragedy," said Executive Director Lillian Roberts.
Thousands exposed
Three DC 37 members died in the attack and thousands more were exposed
to hazardous dust and debris during the rescue, recovery and cleanup
mission at the disaster site and at the Fresh Kills landfill.
Concerned about the health effects on those who worked at or near
Ground Zero, U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton introduced legislation that
provided $12 million for baseline and follow-up medical testing, with
another $90 million pending.
At a May 17 news conference with doctors, hospital officials and Ms.
Roberts, Sen. Clinton announced plans for the free program.
"What's most important," she said, "is that this Ground
Zero worker health tracking program will be in place for the long-term
- up to 20 years."
"This is a serious matter. According to the health surveys we
received, many city workers are experiencing serious respiratory and
health problems as a result of their work at Ground Zero," said
Lee Clarke, head of DC 37's Safety and Health Dept. "We want
our members to go to the Mount Sinai clinic for help." To be
screened for participation in the study, call the toll-free hotline
at (888) 702-0630.