World Trade Center health program: Caring for 9/11 first responders

Only 20 people survived the collapse of the Twin Towers and were pulled from the rubble on September 11, 2001. Two of them were saved by Scott Strauss and Eddie Reyes. The now-retired NYPD police officers joined 20-Minute Health Talk on the 20 anniversary of 9/11 in 2021 to share their stories and discuss the long-term health hazards they live with as a result of exposure to toxic fumes. Today, 23 years to the day, we revisit this somber, but important conversation, which also involved Jacqueline Moline, MD, MSc, who directs the Northwell Health World Trade Center (WTC) health program in Queens. She is also senior vice president of Northwell’s Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention department. She explains who qualifies, how it benefits 9/11 first responders and lessons learned from her experience leading the WTC health program. 

More resources:

• Never forget the 9/11 responders who risked their lives
• World Trade Center health program improves survival, longevity for 9/11 first responders
• Retired NYPD officers: We dug through the World Trade Center rubble, looking for our brothers
  
• New trial tracks long-term effects of burn pit exposure among veterans
• Burn pits: Understanding the problem, identifying solutions
• 5 ways to improve veterans health care services