NEW BELLEVUE HEALTH CENTER TO TREAT MORE NEW YORKERS FOR ILLNESS RELATED TO 9/11

September 5, 2006 - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and HHC President Alan D. Aviles announce the establishment of the WTC Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital to expand medical and mental health treatment to more New Yorkers affected by exposure to toxic dust and fumes at the World Trade Center.

The establishment of the new health center is part of a three-point initiative to strengthen New York City's response to emerging health issues related to the attack on 9/11. The City will provide $16 million over five years to develop the specialty clinic at Bellevue to treat approximately 6,000 patients.  To ensure the broadest possible coverage, the new Center will serve any individuals who were exposed to WTC dust or fumes, including residents of Manhattan or Brooklyn, office workers, City employees, volunteers and individuals involved in debris removal and clean-up.

The Center is scheduled to open in January 2007. For information about assessment, treatment or to make an appointment, New Yorkers can call 212-562-1720, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Services are available to anyone who was exposed to WTC dust or fumes, and will be provided at little or no cost. Immigration status of patients will remain strictly confidential and language services will be provided for New Yorkers with limited English proficiency.