A Message From Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

On September 11th, 2001, our city's rescue workers inspired the nation. And that heroism was followed by a wave of residents, workers, and volunteers from all over the country who helped lift our city – and our nation – back onto its feet. We have a clear responsibility to each and every one of these participants in the City’s recovery, some of whom are now suffering from 9/11-related health problems.

That's why I appointed a panel in 2006 to conduct a comprehensive investigation of these health issues, and to determine what more can be done to help those who are sick or may become sick.  In February 2007, the panel completed its report and suggested the three strategies below, which I have adopted in their entirety, to ensure a coordinated, citywide approach:

1.  Ensure that all who are ill get the best possible medical care.

Our three Centers of Excellence in New York City (World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program at the Fire Department of New York and at Mount Sinai, and the Bellevue World Trade Center Environmental Health Center) run high-quality programs to evaluate and treat 9/11-related conditions. The New York Police Department is also closely monitoring its members who responded to the collapse. But the truth is that these essential programs – as well as mental health and substance use disorder services provided for New Yorkers who were psychologically affected by the attack – face a very uncertain future without a sustained commitment of federal funds. Although the Federal government has provided some help, it has not been enough. As a result the City has stepped up with a nearly $100 million commitment through 2011 in City funding for World Trade Center health initiatives. 9/11 was an attack on America and not just New York. We are doing our part and we must ensure that the federal government does theirs.

2.  Use the latest medical research to enhance care.

Researchers and doctors are continually making important new discoveries about the health effects of 9/11. That's why I have appointed a group of scientists and medical experts who will stay on top of the science and make sure it's communicated throughout our city's public and private health systems. I also have appointed a World Trade Center Health Coordinator to operate a clearinghouse of information for residents, workers, and first responders - which will all be posted on this web site.

3.  Resolve the issue of fair compensation.

The city is currently defending itself from claims arising from the recovery and clean-up operations. This litigation for all parties is costly, inefficient and ultimately distracts New York City from our primary mission of giving real help to those in need. The process of compensation should be removed from the courts - and the best way to do that is by re-opening the Victim Compensation Fund , which fairly provided financial assistance to the families of those killed or injured on 9/11. To get this fund up and running again, Washington should eliminate the litigation against the city and its contractors and permit us to use the $1 billion that was set aside in 2003 to protect the city against World Trade Center legal claims. Taking these matters out of the courts and using this money to help people is an important step in healing the rifts that have surfaced since the disaster. 

New York has always taken care of its own - and we owe a special commitment to the rescue workers and others who heroically served our city during its darkest hour on September 11, 2001, and to all those who experience World Trade Center-related health problems. They deserve first-class care without exception – and we will continue to work to ensure they get it.