Statement from Dr. John Howard commemorating 21 years since September 11, 2001

Each year the country observes a National Day of Service and Remembrance to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the lives lost, and the bravery and resilience shown on that day and in the years after.

Twenty-one years later, we honor the thousands more who have tragically lost their lives to health conditions stemming from their exposure to hazards and toxins in the weeks and months after 9/11. Many responders and survivors suffer from ongoing health impacts as well. Even now, enrollments in the World Trade Center Health Program are increasing and new members are being diagnosed with World Trade Center-related health conditions for the first time.

As we enter the third decade since 9/11, we are honored and humbled to continue to serve the 9/11 community. At the World Trade Center Health Program, we are inspired by the sacrifice and courage that this community continues to demonstrate. We commit ourselves each day to our mission of providing no out-of-pocket cost medical monitoring and treatment of World Trade Center-related physical and mental health conditions to our members.

In addition to providing health services, the Program educates the public and 9/11 community about the Program and the 9/11-related health issues many responders and survivors experience. Recently, we partnered with the David J. Sencer CDC Museum to launch Health Effects of 9/11, an online exhibition devoted to raising awareness about the ongoing health effects linked to 9/11 exposures and to tell the moving stories of those impacted.

We are still here for you, and we will never forget.

John Howard, M.D.
Administrator, World Trade Center Health Program