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Program Updates and Archives
2024
- October 30, 2024 – Help Plan the World Trade Center Youth Research Cohort: Youth Research Cohort Planning Informational Webinars Hosted by RAND
- October 23, 2024 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Information: Cooperative Research Agreements and Assessment and Evaluation of Emerging Health Conditions
- October 17, 2024 – World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program/CDC Museum’s “Health Effects of 9/11” Exhibition Now Open at the Flight 93 National Memorial
- October 14, 2024 – October Program Updates
- October 10, 2024 – World Trade Center Health Program Research: Recently Funded New Projects
- October 3, 2024 – Federal Register Notice: The World Trade Center Health Program is requesting nominations for candidates to serve on the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)
- October 1, 2024 – Participate in Youth Research Cohort Planning
- September 11, 2024 – 2024 Day of Service and Remembrance Administrator Statement
- September 11, 2024 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Begins Enrollments for Expanded Population of Pentagon and Shanksville Responders
- September 3, 2024 – The next meeting of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) will be held on September 23, 2024. More on the meeting here, including the agenda and how to submit comments.
- August 6, 2024 – Youth Research Cohort- Results and Findings From the 2023 Solicitation of Public Comment
- May 17, 2024 – United States Preventative Services Task Force Update Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
- April 16, 2024 – Federal Register Notice: Notice of Closed Meeting
- April 9, 2024 – Annual Member Newsletter Released
- March 7, 2024 – World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Reorganization
- March 7, 2024 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Reorganization
- March 5, 2024 – Youth Research Cohort Update
- February 27, 2024 – Healthcare Cyberattack Potential Impact on WTC Health Program Members
- February 21, 2024 – Recently Passed Legislation Expands World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Eligibility for Pentagon and Shanksville Responders
- February 8, 2024 – NPN Responders to Receive Invitation to Participate in WTC Research
- February 6, 2024 – Youth Research Cohort Update – FRN Closed; More Opportunities for Participation Coming Soon
- January 10, 2024 – New Policy for Drug Coverage and Off-Label Drug Use Published
2023
- November 27, 2023 – World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee: Nominations period extended through December 2023
- November 27, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; Amended Notice of Solicitation of Nominations
- November 2, 2023 – Youth Research Cohort: Public comment period extended through January 2024
- October 19, 2023 – Learn how to make an appointment in the NPN through MCA-Sedgwick’s new FAQs
- October 11, 2023 – Oct 17th & 18th NIOSH/OEP Public Information Sessions for Interested Researchers: Call-in details
- October 6, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
- October 6, 2023 – Upcoming Webinar Series for Providers: Best Practices for Clinical Care in the WTC Health Program
- September 25, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program; Notices of Funding Opportunities Public Information Sessions
- September 11, 2023 – 2023 Day of Service and Remembrance Administrator Statement
- September 11, 2023 – World Trade Center Health Program Updates
- September 7, 2023 – World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and CDC Museum Announce Opening of Health Effects of 9/11 Exhibition
- August 23, 2023 – Coverage Updates for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment
- August 18, 2023 – Youth Research Cohort Update: Public Comment and Request for Information Deadlines Extended
- August 18, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program; Youth Research Cohort; Request for Information
- July 21, 2023 – Updated Details on Dental Services Coverage
- July 17, 2023 – New Program Website Enhancements
- July 05, 2023 – Updated Coverage for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) Therapy
- June 30, 2023 – Statement from the Program on the Upcoming Nationwide Provider Network Expansion
- May 26, 2023 – World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; STAC Meeting Notice and Call for Public Comments
- May 26, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Charter Renewal
- May 26, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Youth Research Cohort: STAC Meeting Notice and Call for Public Comments
- May 25, 2023 – Telehealth allowance temporarily extended through December 11, 2024
- April 26, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Youth Research Cohort; Request for Information
- March 17, 2023 – Updated Coverage for Dental Services and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
- February 27, 2023 – Announcement of updates and additions to the Program’s Administrative Manual
- January 18, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: Addition of Uterine Cancer to the List of World Trade Center-Related Health Conditions
- January 18, 2023 – Statement from the World Trade Center Health Program: Addition of Uterine Cancer to the List of World Trade Center-Related Health Conditions
- January 18, 2023 – Upcoming Meeting of the STAC: February 9, 2023
- January 10, 2023 – Federal Register Notice: Notice of Closed Meeting - Name of Committee: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP) — RFA OH–23–001
- January 4, 2023 – Acupuncture Services Now Covered for Certain Conditions
- December 19, 2022 – Statement from Express Scripts on Removal of Kroger from Network of Pharmacies
- November 28, 2022 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (WTCHP-STAC); Amended Notice of Solicitation of Nominations
- October 13, 2022 – Federal Register Notice: Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/ Technical Advisory Committee (WTCHP–STAC)
- September 15, 2022 – Hispanic Heritage Month: NIOSH Science Blog article (available in Spanish and English), summarizes outreach and research in the WTC Health Program.
- September 9, 2022 – Statement from the Administrator commemorating 21 years since September 11th, 2001
- August 15, 2022 – "9/11 Health Research and Care: Part II." Read the second of this two-part article series on the NIOSH website.
- August 9, 2022 – "9/11 Health Research and Care." Read the first of this two-part article series on the NIOSH website.
- July 15, 2022 – Program Statement for Members Experiencing Issues Filling Prescriptions
- May 31, 2022 – World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Launches 9/11 Health Effects Online Exhibition
- May 10, 2022 – Statement from the WTC Health Program and Frequently Asked Questions about the Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking to add uterine cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List) .
- May 10, 2022 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rulemaking: World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program: Addition of Uterine Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Comments on this proposed rulemaking must be received by June 24, 2022.
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April 26, 2022 – World Trade Center Health Program; Request for Information
- April 18, 2022 – Cancer Incidence, Latency, and Survival in WTC Rescue/Recovery Workers published in NIOSH Science Blog
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January 5, 2022 – Federal Register Notice of Closed Meeting:
Name of Committee: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)—Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), PAR 20–280, Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01); and RFA OH–22–004, World Trade Center Health Research related to WTC Survivors (U01—No Applications with Responders Accepted).
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December 13, 2021 – Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review – Proposed Project:
World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Petitions, Designated Representative/HIPAA.
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December 06, 2021 – New Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) vendor announced.
Managed Care Advisors (MCA)/Sedgwick was recently announced as the new vendor of the WTC Health Program’s Nationwide Provider Network (NPN). MCA/Sedgwick will take over NPN operations from Logistics Health Inc. (LHI) in the late spring or early summer of 2022. Get the latest information on the NPN Transition webpage.
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November 09, 2021 – World Trade Center Health Program announces new Pharmacy Benefit Manager.
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) contract has been awarded to Express Scripts Inc. Express Scripts will replace the current PBM, Managed Care Advisors (MCA) and Optum, in Spring 2022. The PBM provides coverage for prescription drugs to WTC Health Program members. More information will be sent to members while the Program transitions from MCA/Optum to Express Scripts over the next few months. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/pbmtransition.html for the most updated information on this change.
- November 01, 2021 – November 2021 Meeting of the STAC Announced.
- October 26, 2021 – Summary of Translational Impacts Research report published in NIOSH Science Blog.
- September 9, 2021 – - MMWR Surveillance Summary Published: World Trade Center Health Program — United States, 2012−2020.
- September 1, 2021 – September 2021 Meeting of the STAC Announced.
- August 2, 2021 – Philips CPAP Device Recall- Important Information.
- July 22, 2021 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program; Request for Information.
- June 8, 2021 – VCF Registration Deadlines and Your Certified Condition.
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June 1, 2021 – Reinstatement of 30-day supply limit at retail pharmacies on August 1, 2021.
On April 28th, 2020, the WTC Health Program started allowing up to a 90-day supply of medication to be filled at your retail or community pharmacy. This was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow members to make less frequent trips to an in-person pharmacy. Previously, only a 30-day supply was permitted when filled in-person.
- April 30, 2021 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations – Proposed Project: World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Petitions, Designated Representative/HIPAA Authorization, and Member Satisfaction. (OMB Control No. 0920–0891, Exp. 12/31/2021) — Revision.
- February 18, 2021 – Federal Register Notices: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)—Funding Opportunity Announcement.
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February 10, 2021 – Special 9/11 Health Issue by Peer-Reviewed International Research Journal Includes Two Publications from the WTC Health Program.
This September marks the 20th year since the attacks of 9/11. In preparation for the observance, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has published a special issue titled “9/11 Health Update.” We highlight two articles from that special issue, led by researchers in the World Trade Center Health Program.
The first describes health research conducted during the first decade of the federal WTC Health Program (2011-2020), while also synthesizing health research since late 2001. The synthesis covers findings across a broad range of health topics like mental health, cancer, respiratory disease, vulnerable populations, and emerging conditions.
Read: World Trade Center Health Program: First Decade of Research
The second article summarizes proceedings on a November 2019 workshop. The workshop explored the emerging research topic of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) through presentations by an interdisciplinary expert panel and group discussions. The topic continues to be a focus of ongoing research for the Program and its grantees.
Read: A Workshop on Cognitive Aging and Impairment in the 9/11-Exposed Population
Want to learn more at about WTC Health Program research? Visit the Research Gateway.
- October 28, 2020 – Federal Register Notice: The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Seeks Nominations for the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
- September 11, 2020 – Statement from the Administrator on the Day of Remembrance marking 19 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks.
- August 19, 2020 – New Flu Vaccine page explains why members should get a flu vaccine and how to get one covered by the Program.
- April 30, 2020 – Statement from the Administrator regarding COVID-19 and the WTC Health Program.
- April 16, 2020 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Research Agenda; Request for Information.
- March 31, 2020 – Latest updates on COVID-19 and the WTC Health Program.
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March 19, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the WTC Health Program
World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has been working on ways to meet your health care needs during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. Our priority is to make sure that all members are taking steps to protect themselves. In addition, our clinics have had to shift how they operate to ensure that they are still able to meet the WTC-related needs of members while limiting face-to face interactions. -
February 19, 2020 – World Trade Center Health Program; Petition 025—Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism, Including Heavy Metal- Induced Parkinsonism; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
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January 24, 2020 – BriovaRx re-named Optum Specialty Pharmacy
Optum has announced that BriovaRx is now Optum Specialty Pharmacy. BriovaRx is Optum’s provider of specialty medications. Optum is the Pharmacy Benefits Manager for the WTC Health Program. Some Program members receive home delivery medications through BriovaRx.
Optum has provided the following information about this change:
- This is a name and logo change only. It does not affect your specialty prescriptions or any non-specialty prescriptions through OptumRx.
- The name change will take several months to complete. During the change, WTC Health Program members who receive home delivery medications from BriovaRx may see either the BriovaRx or Optum Specialty Pharmacy name or logo.
- No action from you is needed.
If you have any questions or concerns about this name change, please contact Optum at 1-855-640-0005 and select option 2.
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September 24, 2019 – World Trade Center Health Program; Petition 023—Uterine Cancer, Including Endometrial Cancer; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
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September 18, 2019 – Upcoming Meeting of the STAC
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September 11, 2019 – Statement from the Administrator
Day of Remembrance on the 18th year since the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
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August 19, 2019 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (WTCHP STAC) Meeting
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August 13, 2019 – Federal Register Notice: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
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August 6, 2019 – Finding of Insufficient Evidence Published in the Federal Register: Petition 22 – Monoclonal Grammopathy of Undetermined Significance
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July 19, 2019 – Pharmacy Benefits Change for Prescription Fills at Retail Pharmacies
Starting October 1, 2019, the WTC Health Program will only allow up to a 30-day supply of medication for each fill at a retail or community pharmacy. For any medication fills above 30-days and up to 90-days, you must use OptumRx’s home delivery service. We encourage all members that are receiving medications taken on a regular or on-going basis to enroll in home delivery when possible.
What are the Benefits of Home Delivery?
Home delivery through OptumRx is a convenient option to receive WTC-related medications taken on a regular or on-going basis. Home delivery provides the following benefits:
- 90-day supply of medications delivered to your home or location of choice
- No need to travel to the pharmacy and wait in lines
- Reduces the risk of running out of your medication
- Medications will be delivered at no cost to you
How do I sign up for Home Delivery at OptumRx?
To get more information on home delivery or to enroll, please call Optum’s WTC Health Program Pharmacy Benefit Services line at 1-855-640-0005 and choose option #2. You can also visit https://wtchomedelivery.optum.com/ and select “Click to Enroll” to have a customer service representative contact you.
Other Questions? Need Help?
- For questions related to this policy change, call the WTC Health Program at 1-888-982-4748.
- For any pharmacy benefits questions, call Optum’s WTC Health Program Pharmacy Benefit Services line at 1-855-640-0005.
- For any questions related to your medications, contact your Clinical Center of Excellence or Nationwide Provider Network provider.
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May 24, 2019 – Federal Register Notice:
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May 24, 2019 – Federal Register Notice:
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May 06, 2019 – New Optum Home Delivery Website:
The WTC Health Program's Pharmacy Benefits Manager and Home Delivery provider - has launched a new home delivery website specifically for Program members. You can now request refills or enroll at https://wtchomedelivery.optum.com/ . Remember to update your bookmarks for future reference.
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April 08, 2019 – Federal Register Notice:
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April 08, 2019 – Federal Register Notice:
- March 11, 2019 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 22 – Monoclonal Grammopathy of Undetermined Significance
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February 13, 2019 – Federal Register Notice:
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September 6, 2018 – The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Seeks Nominees for the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)
The STAC has 17 member positions and is currently seeking nominations for 6 of these positions in the following categories:
- Environmental medicine or Environmental health specialist;
- Occupational physician who has experience treating WTC rescue and recovery workers;
- Physician with expertise in pulmonary medicine;
- Representative of WTC responders; and
- Representative of certified-eligible WTC survivors
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September 1, 2018 – Pharmacy Benefits Change for Over-the-Counter Products
Starting December 1, 2018, the WTC Health Program will limit the types of over-the-counter products that will be covered by the Program. Over-the-counter products are medications and supplies that are available for purchase without a prescription, such as cold medicines, vitamins, and bandages.
Which Over-the-Counter Products Will Continue to Be Covered With a Prescription?
The following types of over-the-counter products will continue to be covered for treatment of your certified WTC-related health condition:- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec OTC);
- Nasal steroids (e.g., Flonase Allergy Relief);
- Saline nasal solutions (e.g., Simply Saline);
- Anti-histamines (e.g., Allegra Allergy);
- Nicotine replacement therapies (e.g., Nicoderm CQ);
- Asthma-related products (e.g., nebulizers, spacers, peak flow meters); and
- Diabetes-related products (e.g., glucose monitors, glucose test strips, lancets).
Which Over-the-Counter Products Will No Longer Be Covered?
All other over-the-counter products will no longer be covered. For over-the-counter products no longer covered, you will have to use your insurance or pay out of pocket.How Can You Get Your Over-the-Counter Products Covered?
If you qualify under the WTC Health Program for coverage of any of the above covered medications or supplies, it will be treated as a prescription by the Program. Your WTC Health Program provider will need to write a prescription for the over-the-counter product. After the pharmacy (retail or home delivery) receives the prescription, it can be filled and covered like any of your other WTC Health Program covered medications or supplies. You will need to provide the pharmacist with your WTC Health Program information if they do not already have it.More information on Pharmacy Benefits is available here
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August 30, 2018 – William Street Clinic Opens in Lower Manhattan
Announced earlier this year, the William Street Clinic in Lower Manhattan is now open.The new clinic provides initial health evaluations, benefits counseling, and treatment coordination for survivors only, and is operated by Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI), who also provides survivor care through the Nationwide Provider Network.
Survivor enrollees awaiting their initial health evaluation will be assigned to either the new William Street Clinic or the existing Survivor Clinical Center of Excellence, NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H). Members will be contacted by phone or mail to schedule an initial health evaluation appointment.
More information on the William Street Clinic is available here.
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July 20, 2018 – New Clinic to Increase Capacity in Scheduling Initial Appointments for Survivor Enrollees
The WTC Health Program has been working to address the time required for scheduling appointments for enrolled survivors to get their initial health evaluations. To increase the number of appointments, we will launch a new clinic at 156 William Street in Lower Manhattan. This clinic will provide appointments for initial health evaluations - in-depth exams that look for physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the WTC disaster. For health conditions that are approved (“certified”) as WTC-related, the William Street Clinic will coordinate survivors’ care with WTC providers in the New York metropolitan area.
- July 1, 2018 – Program Anniversary Statement: Statement marking the seven-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program
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June 6, 2018 – Notice: Information for individuals who may be experiencing increased wait times for scheduling initial health evaluations
Information About Delays for Scheduling Initial Health EvaluationsThe WTC Health Program is aware of the increased number of individuals, primarily survivors, seeking enrollment and/or certification of their health conditions. The WTC Health Program is taking active steps to address the waiting time for an initial health evaluation for enrolled screening-eligible survivors.
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April 27, 2018 – Change in Pharmacy for Home Delivery Medications
On April 25th, 2018, home delivery service (also known as mail order) for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program changed to provider OptumRx for non-specialty medications and BriovaRx for specialty medications. Both are partner companies of Optum, the WTC Health Program pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).
Members with existing home delivery medications were recently sent a letter by Optum with more information about the change.
What do I need to do?
You do not need to take any action at this time. Optum automatically transferred your current home delivery prescription(s) with refills from the former provider Walgreens to OptumRx and/or BriovaRx. There are no changes to your pharmacy benefit card.
As always, your WTC-covered prescription(s) remain free of charge as long as it is prescribed or approved by your Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCE) physician. You may also continue to use your local pharmacy for WTC immediate and short-term medication (antibiotics, cough medicines, etc.) or for fill-in supplies of a WTC-covered maintenance medication.
If you have questions about this change to your home delivery service, who you contact depends on your CCE:
- FDNY WTC Health Program Member Services: 718-999-1858
- Mount Sinai WTC Health Program Member Services: 888-702-0630
- Northwell WTC Health Program Member Services: 718-267-2420
- NYC WTC Health Program Member Services: 212-263-7335
- Rutgers WTC Health Program Member Services: 848-445-0123, option 3
- NYC Health & Hospitals System WTC Environmental Health Center, SUNY-Stony Brook, and National Provider Network (NPN)/LHI should contact Optum at 855-640-0005, option 2
For more information on WTC Health Program Pharmacy Benefits, visit www.cdc.gov/wtc/pharmacy.html
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April 25, 2018 – Remembering Dr. Lewis V. Wade
Dr. Lewis V. Wade passed away earlier this week. We at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program are saddened by his death. With the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Lew served as a Senior Advisor to guide, develop, and implement NIOSH’s responsibilities as the administrative body for the WTC Health Program. After his retirement from NIOSH in 2008, he continued to provide his wise counsel to NIOSH’s WTC Health Program and its staff.
Dr. Wade was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in 1967; a MS degree in Civil Engineering in 1968; and began his professional career with the Bureau of Mines in 1971, following the completion of his PhD in civil engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. During his 25 year tenure with the Bureau of Mines he worked on a variety of research including roof control and rock mechanics. He conducted the initial research investigations on design and performance of Longwall Mining Systems with a focus on shield supports for ground control. Lew held several managerial research positions, rising up through the ranks. He finished his career with the Bureau of Mines as the Research Director of the Twin Cities Research Center, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Associate Director for Research, in Washington, D.C., when the Bureau of Mines was disbanded in 1996. He then spent 5 years managing the Information Technology Systems for the Water Resources Division of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and was responsible for the USGS YUCCA Mountain project for the Department of Energy high level nuclear waste site effort. In 2000, he became the Associate Director, Office for Mine Safety and Health Research, for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). He became the NIOSH Senior Science Advisor in 2004, and was instrumental in guiding NIOSH and its staff as it worked to create a new program established by the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Act of 2000 and its Presidential Advisory Board for Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH). He became the Designated Federal Official for the ABRWH and the Technical Project Officer for the Board’s contract with Sanford Cohen & Associates for technical support. With the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Lew shifted his Senior Advisor focus to guide, develop and implement NIOSH’s new responsibilities as the administrative body for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. After his retirement from NIOSH in 2008, he continued to provide his wise counsel to NIOSH’s WTC Health Program and its staff as a contract employee.
- April 24, 2018 – Federal Register Notice: On January 5, 2018, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 018) to add hypertension (high blood pressure) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add hypertension to the List. Learn more...
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April 18, 2018 – Important Alert from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF):
ALERT: The VCF is aware of calls being made by unknown persons claiming to be the VCF. These callers ask questions about the status of an individual’s VCF claim, state that the individual may be entitled to money, and/or ask for personal information in order to mail a claim package or file a claim on the individuals’ behalf.
If you receive a call with questions about your VCF claim or your potential eligibility for compensation from someone that you suspect is not VCF staff, you should not provide any information to the caller. When possible, please note details about the call (date, time, caller ID if available, name of caller, questions asked, etc.) and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov .
Calls made by VCF staff follow a standard protocol for validating the claimant’s identity. Effective immediately, the VCF will never ask you for your full Social Security Number. If you are uncertain whether the caller is from the VCF, please end the call and contact the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.
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March 1, 2018 – Upcoming Meeting of the STAC
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January 22, 2018 – Official Statement of WTC Health Program Operating Procedure During Government Shutdown
The WTC Health Program is open and operating during the government shutdown. Questions about the Program can still be directed to 888-982-4748 or wtc@cdc.gov. For questions about your care, contact your CCE or NPN provider.
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January 8, 2018 – Remembering Dr. James (Jim) Melius, M.D., Dr. PH.
Chair, World Trade Center Responders Steering CommitteeDr. Jim Melius passed away unexpectedly last week. We at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program are saddened by his death. Dr. Melius was an early, prominent, and sustaining voice supporting those involved in the rescue, recovery, and clean up efforts following the September 11th terrorist attacks. He championed the first medical monitoring and treatment programs and worked tirelessly to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which created the WTC Health Program, and worked even harder to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in 2015.
"The nation has lost a great worker health champion," said Dr. John Howard, Administrator of the WTC Health Program. "Dr. Melius dedicated his career to protecting workers from injury and illness. All of us who work in the WTC Health Program will miss Dr. Melius’ leadership, scholarship, and dedication to the responder and survivor members of the Program."
A private funeral service is planned.
A memorial for Dr. Melius will take place in the Stern Auditorium at Mount Sinai Medical Center at 11:00 a.m. on March 26, 2018. Mount Sinai Medical Center is located on Madison Avenue at E. 101st St. on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is also possible to enter the medical center from Fifth Avenue at E. 101st St.
- November 29, 2017 – Notice: Information for individuals who may be experiencing increased wait times for scheduling initial health evaluations. Learn more...
- October 25, 2017 – VCF applicants: Important Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya and accompanying factsheet (Just the Facts ) to clarify some common misconceptions about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”), how it operates, who is eligible, how registration deadlines apply, how claims move through the system, and how compensation is determined.
- October 23, 2017 – Thank you to all who participated in the WTC Health Program’s first ever Research to Care Community Engagement event! To view the morning session please visit the WTC Health Program’s Facebook Page i class="fas fa-external-link-alt">. To earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education (CE) credit please view the instructions and go to TCEO to take the post test.
- October 21, 2017 – Join the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for the first ever Research to Care Community Engagement event! This free, interactive, one-day event is a unique opportunity to hear about new developments in 9/11 health research and learn how to maintain good health.
- October 17, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Seeking nominations for possible membership on the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP). Nominations for membership on the WTCHP SEPs must be received no later than December 15, 2017. Learn more…
- September 11, 2017 – Statement from the Administrator regarding the Day of Remembrance on the 16th year since the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- September 8, 2017 – WTC Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard was part of a Facebook Live event with FealGood Foundation Outreach And Education Program and 9/11 Health.
- July 13, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 16 and 17 - Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism Findings of Insufficient Evidence World Trade Center Health Program; Petitions 016 and 017—Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism
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July 6, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Revised VCF Private Physician Process Affecting Applicants for Membership in the World Trade Center Health Program.
The VCF has updated the criteria for claimants to seek verification of their conditions through the Private Physician Process. On July 6, 2017, the VCF posted information on its website (https://www.vcf.gov/privatephysicianprocess-forms.html ) regarding these changes. If you are a VCF claimant wanting to be certified for a health condition(s) by the WTC Health Program, information for applying to the Program can be found on our How to Apply to the Program page.- Once a member is enrolled in the Program, the member will then have to make an appointment with their Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE) or the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) to have a monitoring appointment (responders) or an initial evaluation (survivors).
- The first appointment requires history-taking, medical testing, and physical examination. The initial appointment may sometimes require additional diagnostic testing to determine if the member has a condition on the list of 9/11-related health conditions covered by the Program and meets the Program’s requirements for coverage (certification) of a condition (visit our Administrative Manual to learn more.
- If the member has a health condition covered by the WTC Health Program that their Program physician determines is related to the member’s 9/11 exposures, the CCE or NPN will submit a certification request to the Program. It will be reviewed and a decision will be made to approve or deny the certification request. Once a decision is made, the WTC Health Program will notify the member, in writing, of the decision.
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July 1, 2017 – Statement marking the six-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
YouTube .
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June 12, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee: Notice of Charter Renewal
The charter for the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee has been renewed for a 2-year period through May 12, 2019. -
May 11, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 015 - Neuropathy; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
On November 25, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 015) to add neuropathy to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add neuropathy to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
March 22, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center Health Program is currently requesting nominations for Scientific Peer Reviewers of proposed additions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
The CDC is soliciting nominations, including self-nominations, for scientific peer reviewers of proposed additions of conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). When the Administrator proposes to add a condition to the List, he must publish the proposed rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). Additionally, as required by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in section 3312(a)(6)(F), prior to issuing a final rule to add a health condition to the List, the Administrator must provide for an independent peer review of the scientific and technical evidence that would be the basis for issuing such final rule. -
February 21, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 014-Rheumatoid Arthritis; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
On September 29, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition to add autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 014 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, 009, 011, and 013, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases, including various subtypes. The Administrator has published responses to the five previous petitions in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 014 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
February 14, 2017 – Letter to the STAC Chair from the Administrator about the STAC’s recommendations on the Policy and Procedures for Adding Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions and the Policy and Procedures for Adding Non-Cancer Conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
Note: The above link to the letter to the STAC Chair will take you to the official docket (CDC-2016-0036) for this topic at Regulations.gov.
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December 15, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Amendments to Definitions, Appeals, and Other Requirements
In this action, the Administrator finalizes amendments to a number of existing sections in part 88, including provisions for appeals of enrollment decisions, appeals of certification, decertification, or treatment authorization decisions, and the addition of health conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Some existing language is moved into new sections for clarity. Finally, new language on disenrollment, decertification, appeals of reimbursement denials, and coordination of benefits and recoupment is added to part 88. -
December 14, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 012—Atherosclerosis; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
On April 11, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received two petitions (combined into Petition 012) to add atherosclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). The Program conducted a literature search for the term in response to the Petition and found no relevant studies regarding atherosclerosis among 9/11- exposed populations. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - November 25, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add Neuropathy to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 15)
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October 25, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Nominations of Candidates To Serve on the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (the STAC or the Committee)
The CDC is soliciting nominations for membership on the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Scientific/ Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). -
October 24, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations – Proposed Project: World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Treatment, Appeals & Reimbursement
This notice invites comment on a proposed revision to the ‘‘World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Treatment, Appeals & Reimbursement’’ information collection approved under OMB Control Number 0920–0891, which allows the collection of information from Program members and affiliated medical providers for the purpose of determining eligibility and providing treatment services in accordance with the James Zadroga 9/ 11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. - September 29, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add Rheumatoid Arthritis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 14)
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September 9, 2016 – Day of Remembrance: September 11, 2016
The WTC Health Program recognizes the day of remembrance and acknowledges that at this time, memories of 9/11 are all around and it can make people feel anxious, worried, jittery and/or depressed. Listed are some ways to help ease those feelings during this time. -
September 8, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 013: Multiple Sclerosis (Autoimmune); Finding of Insufficient Evidence
On April 4, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 013) to add ‘‘relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (autoimmune)’’ to the List of WTCRelated Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 013 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, 009, and 011, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases, including various subtypes. The Administrator recently published responses to the four previous petitions in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 013 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - August 17, 2016 – Notice of proposed rulemaking: Amendments to Definitions, Appeals, and Other Requirements. The Administrator of the WTC Health Program invites comment on this proposed rule from interested parties. Comments must be received by September 16, 2016.
- August 10, 2016 – The WTC Health Program is introducing the Research Gateway web application. The new application will allow anyone to search for additional information about our posted research, as well as provide insight from the researchers behind it. The research conducted plays a vital role in the health conditions currently covered by the WTC Health Program.
- August 4, 2016. – Final Rule Effective: Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
- July 16, 2016 – Letter to Kimberly Flynn from Dr. John Howard Regarding Children’s WTC-related Research Needs
- July 5, 2016 – July 15, 2016: Letter to Dr. John Howard from Kimberly Flynn Regarding Children’s WTC-related Research Needs.
- July 5, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule: Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. This rule is effective on August 4, 2016. Peer Reviewer comments on new-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute traumatic injury are also available.
- July 1, 2016 – Statement marking the five-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
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May 9, 2016 – Press Release: Comedian John Stewart Featured in a New FealGood Foundation Video to Reach 9/11 Responders and Survivors.
The FealGood Foundation announces a special collaboration with comedian Jon Stewart to help those affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. Mr. Stewart joined John Feal, President and Founder of the FealGood Foundation, in a short video promoting the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. View the video below, or watch it directly on YouTube.
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April 25, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 011: Autoimmune Diseases; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On January 25, 2016, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 011) to add "autoimmune disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis" to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 011 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, and 009, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published responses to Petitions 007, 008, and 009 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 011 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - April 11, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add atherosclerosis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 012)
- April 4, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add multiple sclerosis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 013)
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April 4, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 010: Peripheral Neuropathy; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On January 5, 2016, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 010) to add peripheral neuropathy to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add peripheral neuropathy to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
March 22, 2016 – Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Note: This link will take you to the official docket (CDC-2016-0016) for this meeting at Regulations.gov where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting. - March 17, 2016 – Update: WTC Health Program to Revise Policy and Procedures for Recoupment: Lump-Sum Workers' Compensation Settlements.
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February 25, 2016 – Request for Nominations of Candidates To Serve on the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
Nominations due by March 31, 2016. - January 25, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add lupus and rheumatoid arthritis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 011)
- January 8, 2016 – Statement from the Administrator about the Reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.
- January 5, 2016 – Petition letter requesting to add peripheral neuropathy to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 010)
- December 18, 2015 – President Obama signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016” (Public Law 114-113), which includes the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act.” Public Law 114-113 amends Title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 300mm – 300mm-61) to reauthorize the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for 75 years, ending in 2090.
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December 1, 2015 – Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
Note: This link will take you to the official docket (CDC-2015-0090) for this meeting at Regulations.gov where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting. -
October 28, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 009: Autoimmune Diseases/Multiple Sclerosis; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On September 14, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 009) to add the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 009 is not substantially different from Petitions 007 and 008, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published responses to both Petition 007 and Petition 008 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 009 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - September 14, 2015 – Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases/multiple sclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 009)
- September 11, 2015 – Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Add Two Health Conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions: New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Acute Traumatic Injury. This proposal for adding these conditions is available for public review and comment for 45 days beginning on September 11, 2015.
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September 11, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rulemaking: Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
Comments on this proposed rulemaking must be received by October 26, 2015. -
July 10, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 008: Autoimmune Diseases; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On May 11, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 008) to add autoimmune diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 008 is not substantially different from Petition 007, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published a response to Petition 007 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 008 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - July 1, 2015 – Statement from the Administrator about the four-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
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June 8, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 007: Autoimmune Diseases/Rheumatoid Arthritis and Connective Tissues; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On April 6, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 007) to add certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissues diseases, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add certain autoimmune diseases to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
June 4, 2015 – Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
Note: This link will take you to the official docket (CDC-2015-0026) for this meeting at Regulations.gov where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting. - May 11, 2015 – Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 008)
- April 14, 2015 – Introduction of S.928: A bill to reauthorize the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001, and for other purposes .
- April 6, 2015 – Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases/rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissues diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 007)
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February 24, 2015 – Federal Register
Notice: Request for Nominations of Candidates To Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 31, 2015.
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December 18, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 006: Primary Biliary Cirrhosis; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On October 20, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add primary biliary cirrhosis (Petition 006) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add primary biliary cirrhosis to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
November 4, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 005: Acoustic Neuroma; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On September 2, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add acoustic neuroma (Petition 005) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add acoustic neuroma to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. - October 20, 2014 – Petition letter requesting to add primary biliary cirrhosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 006)
- September 2, 2014 – Petition letter requesting to add acoustic neuroma to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 005)
- August 29, 2014 – Statement from the Administrator about the GAO Report on the WTC Health Program Approach Used to Add Cancers to List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
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July 10, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations.
This submission will incorporate the World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Appeals & Reimbursement (0920–0891, expiration date 12/31/2014), and the World Trade Center Enrollment & Appeals—Pentagon & Shanksville (0920–1001, expiration date 12/31/2016) into one complete package which will be called the World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Appeals & Reimbursement. Upon OMB approval, 0920–1001 will be discontinued.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice. - July 1, 2014 – Statement from the Administrator about the third anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The changes of the past year are highlighted.
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June 17, 2014 – Pre-Proposal Conference
A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 1300 to 1500, to be held in New York City, NY at:
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Room
New York City, NY 10278
The purpose of the conference is to help ensure that potential Offerors fully understand the details of work, especially the Government interpretation of the Statement of Objectives. As time permits, potential Offerors will have an opportunity to comment on the details of the requirements. Attendance at the conference is encouraged, but not mandatory, since a formal solicitation amendment, to include an electronic copy of all questions asked/answered and sign-in sheet, will be posted to Federal Business Opportunities (www.fbo.gov) shortly thereafter (accordingly, no recording devices are authorized).
In order to attend the pre-proposal conference vendors must submit a list of attendees to the Contracting Officer and Program Analyst no later than 1600EST, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Please send list to the following email addresses:
bmccune@cdc.gov
ehamilton@cdc.gov
Contract award is estimated on or about 15 September 2014. -
June 16, 2014 – Solicitation Notice: Outreach and Education Services for the CDC/NIOSH World Trade Center Health Program (Solicitation Number 2014-N-16435) published on Federal Business Opportunities website.
Questions concerning this formal Request for Proposal shall be submitted electronically via email to the following address: bmccune@cdc.gov by 4:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, June 26, 2014. Answers to questions that CDC/NIOSH determines to be necessary for proposal preparation will be returned via email on or about Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Technical questions submitted by telephone or verbally will not be honored. Please group your questions by RFP solicitation sections A through M.
EACH question submitted by the Offeror shall be numbered and include:
(1) SOW section number and/or title (including subparagraph designations) or solicitation section and/or title being referenced.
(2) Complete description of the question
NOTE: Questions submitted in chart or graph format will not be accepted.
Proposal Submission
Offerors shall deliver the proposal electronically to the following address no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, July 16, 2014.
bmccune@cdc.gov
The proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. -
June 2, 2014 – Outreach and Education Services for the CDC/NIOSH World Trade Center Health Program (Solicitation Number 2014-N-16435) published on Federal Business Opportunities website.
This is a pre-solicitation notice. NIOSH does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice. This notice is for information and planning purposes only. NIOSH will not provide reimbursement of costs associated with any documentation or communication submitted in response to this notice. Any submitted documentation, upon delivery, becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. Questions or comments to this notice should be addressed to the Contracting Officer.
This procurement, once a solicitation is released, will procure outreach and education services for the WTCHP in accordance with the attached DRAFT Request for Proposal and Statement of Objectives. Proposals will be due on or about 30 days from the date of the RFP release.
A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 1300 to 1500, to be held in New York City, NY at:
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Room
New York City, NY 10278 -
May 6, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 004: Cardiovascular Disease; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On March 7, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 004) to add ''heart attack,'' which the Administrator has interpreted to mean ''cardiovascular disease,'' to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add cardiovascular disease to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
March 31, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 003: Kidney Damage; Finding of Insufficient Evidence.
On January 22, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add ''kidney damage'' (Petition 003) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add kidney damage and/or disease to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule. -
March 12, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Extension of Request for Nominations of Candidates to Serve on the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 31, 2014. - March 7, 2014 – Petition letter requesting to add cardiovascular disease to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 004)
- February 18, 2014 – Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Recommendations to the WTC Health Program's Research Program.
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February 18, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Amendments to List of WTC-Related Health Conditions; Cancer; Revision.
No types of cancer covered by the WTC Health Program will be removed by this action; four types of cancer—malignant neoplasms of the brain, the cervix uteri, the pancreas, and the testis—are newly eligible for certification as WTC-related health conditions as a result of this action. - February 14, 2014 – Statement from the Administrator about the publication of an Interim Final Rule (IFR) which amends the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions found in the WTC Health Program regulations, and results in four specific cancers becoming eligible for coverage as WTC-related health conditions.
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February 14, 2014 – Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Note: This link will take you to the official docket (CDC-2014-0002) for this meeting at Regulations.gov where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting. - January 31, 2014 – Publication of a sources sought notice was released for an upcoming Outreach and Education Support requirement for the WTC Health Program. The notice is located on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov). The notice number is HHS-CDC-NIOSH-SS-14-0001. This notice will remain posted until February 28, 2014.
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January 30, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Nominations of Candidates to Serve on the WTC Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 14, 2014. - January 22, 2014 – Petition letter requesting to add kidney damage to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 003)
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January 17, 2014 – February 14, 2014 – Teleconference/Web Conference Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
The next meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee will be held on February 14, 2014. The meeting is open to the public and comments from the public are welcome. The agenda for the meeting includes a brief update on the policies and regulations developed by the WTC Health Program and development of recommendations for research. More details regarding the meeting can be found on the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Meetings page.
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November 27, 2013 – New York State Workers' Compensation Law.
On November 13, 2013, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed significant protections for World Trade Center workers into the New York State Workers' Compensation Law. The New York state legislation extends and enhances the state's workers' compensation eligibility and benefits to World Trade Center workers. -
September 23, 2013 – WTC Health Program—Notice of Privacy Practices.
This notice describes how medical information about WTC Health Program members may be used and disclosed and how WTC Health Program members can get access to this information. The effective date for this notice is Monday, September 30, 2013. -
September 19, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule: Addition of Prostate Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
On May 2, 2013, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition requesting the addition of prostate cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions covered in the WTC Health Program. In this final rule, the Administrator adds malignant neoplasm of the prostate (prostate cancer) to the List in the WTC Health Program regulations. This rule will go into effect on October 21, 2013. -
July 31, 2013 – Policy and Procedures for Recoupment & Coordination of Benefits: Workers' Compensation Payment.
Defines the policies and procedures to be used by the WTC Health Program to identify and seek recoupment of funds from workers' compensation when available. It imposes duties on Responders, Centers for Clinic Excellence, Workers' Compensation Insurers and other employers providing illness and injury benefits to Responders. The effective date for this policy is September 1, 2013. - July 3, 2013 – Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Addition of Prostate Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
- July 3, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by August 9, 2013. Note: This notice supersedes the following documents published in the Federal Register: June 11, 2013 Volume 78, Number 112, Pages 35036–35037; June 21, 2013 Volume 78, Number 120, Page 37542; and June 28, 2013 Volume 78, Number 125, Page 38983. Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by August 9, 2013. - July 2, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rulemaking: Addition of Prostate Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
- July 1, 2013 – Statement from the Administrator about the second anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The changes of the past year are highlighted.
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June 28, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Correction: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Correction to the June 21, 2013, Federal Register Notice. Announcement corrected the name of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee. -
June 21, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Correction: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Correction to the June 11, 2013, Federal Register notice. The closing date for receipt of nominations was omitted. Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by July 26, 2013. - June 11, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
- May 1, 2013 – Pentagon and Shanksville, PA Crash Site Responders: Applications Now Being Accepted: Applications are now being accepted for program benefits for responders to the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA crash sites…How to Apply.
- April 30, 2013 – Petition letter requesting to add prostate cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 002)
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April 17, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: World Trade Center, Certification of Breast Cancer in WTC Responders and Survivors Exposed to PCBs.
Change in certification requirements, effective April 17, 2013, are described. - March 28, 2013 – Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Interim Final Rule on the eligibility criteria for responders to receive care and treatment following the terrorist attacks at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- March 28, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Interim Final Rule: Eligibility Requirements for Shanksville, Pennsylvania and Pentagon Responders
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December 10, 2012 – Clarification: FOA Number PAR-12-126: Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01).
The maximum funding period for the FY 13 Announcement "Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)" is for up to three years. The table under the Research Objectives in Section I of the announcement will be amended to so that the long-term project period will be up to three years. The total cost per year for long-term projects will remain the same in the table. - November 21, 2012 – Delay in Grant Application Submission for PAR-12-126 "Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the WTC Health Program" due to Hurricane Sandy.
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October 12, 2012 – WTC Health Program: Information Resources for Physicians, Members, and the Public on the Addition of Cancer.
Over 50 types of cancer are now included on the list of WTC-Related Health Conditions covered by the WTC Health Program. - October 12, 2012 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule Correction: Addition of Certain Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
- October 1, 2012 – The WTC Health Program is now able to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits for survivors who live outside the New York City metropolitan area. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- September 12, 2012 – Statement from the Administrator about the Final Rule for the addition of cancer to the WTC Health Program
- September 12, 2012 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule: Addition of Certain Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
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July 26, 2012 – Update to Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the WTC Health Program.
This Notice updates PAR-12-126 to inform applicants who plan to submit FY13 applications for “Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program” (PAR-12-126) awards about changes in the Application Receipt Date and the Letter of Intent Receipt Date. - July 2, 2012 – Statement from the Administrator about the one-year anniversary of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
- June 13, 2012 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule: Addition of Certain Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
- April 25, 2012 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule: Requirements for the Addition of New WTC-Related Conditions
- April 2, 2012 – Statement from the Administrator about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the list of WTC-related health conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program and what are the next steps for the Administrator in the petition process.
- March 31, 2012 – Letter from the STAC to the Administrator about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program.
- March 28, 2012 – Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
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March 23, 2012 – Funding Opportunity Announcement for PAR-12-126.
The purpose of this announcement is to support research projects and epidemiologic studies to help answer critical questions about physical and mental health conditions related to the September 2001 terrorist attacks including: biomarkers of exposures or health outcomes; epidemiologic studies; exposure-response relationships; improvements in diagnosis and treatment; patterns of illness (age, gender, etc.); risk factors for disease; and other research studies on WTC-related health conditions or emerging conditions. - March 21, 2012 – Letter from the Administrator to the STAC about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the list of WTC-related health conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program.
- March 2, 2012 – NIOSH Update: Extension of the World Trade Center Health Registry
NIOSH plans to extend funding for the World Trade Center Health Registry which is managed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through a cooperative agreement. Continuing the registry will ensure on-going data collection for victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The registry will continue to provide a central, unified database to help assess health effects among persons exposed to the WTC disaster. - February 15-16, 2012 – Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
- February 2012 – World Trade Center Chemicals of Potential Concern and Selected Other Chemical Agents: Summary of Cancer Classifications by the National Toxicology Program and International Agency for Research on Cancer (DHHS Publication Number: 2012-115) published.
- January 24, 2012 – Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee--CANCELLED and rescheduled for February 15-16, 2012, at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
- January 23, 2012 – Letter from the Survivor Steering Committee about WTC Health Program research needs.
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December 20, 2011 – NIOSH Update: Marking One Year Since the January 2, 2011 Enactment of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010
The updated highlights Program activities during its first year and steps to take in moving forward with the Program. - November 9-10, 2011 – Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee at Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
- October 7, 2011 – Two New Members Named to the World Trade Center Health Program's Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
- October 5, 2011 – Letter from the Administrator to the STAC requesting the STAC's advice on a petition to add cancer to the List of WTC-related health conditions
- September 8, 2011 – World Trade Center Health Program scientific review panel named
- September 7, 2011 – Petition letter requesting to add cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 001)
- September 3, 2011 – Special September 11th issue of The Lancet
- July 27, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Determination on Adding Cancer, or a Certain Type of Cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
- July 26, 2011 – NIOSH Update: First World Trade Center scientific and medical review released
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July 11, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Correction: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Correction to June 23, 2001, Federal Register notice. Nominations should be submitted by July 29, 2011. - July 1, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule: Requirements for the Addition of New WTC-Related Conditions
- July 1, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Interim Final Rule: Requirements for Enrollment, Appeals, Certification of Health Conditions, and Reimbursement
- July 1, 2011 – NIOSH Update: Implementing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, Effective July 1, 2011
- July 2011 – First Periodic Review of Scientific and Medical Evidence Related to Cancer for the WTC Health Program published.
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June 23, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
Nominations should be submitted by July 7, 2011. -
June 21, 2011 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and
Compensation Act of 2010
Note: This is a Department of Justice announcement. - June 14, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
- May 31, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Delegation of Authority
- May 27, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Notification of Proposed Altered System of Records
- May 12, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Establishment
- May 6, 2011 – WTC Health Program Bulletin: Information about the WTC Health Program
- April 29, 2011 – Comments received in response to the request for information on implementation of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–347)
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April 20, 2011 – Letters from the WTC Health Program Administrator to the principal investigators of the current WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment programs regarding the enrollment and eligibility criteria as outlined in the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (the Act). In these letters is an explanation of the Act and what steps need to be taken for responders and survivors to be enrolled in the WTC Health Program.
Letter to Philip Landrigan, M.D., Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Letter to David Prezant, M.D., Fire Department of the City of New York, Office of Medical Affairs
Letter to Joan Reibman, M.D., Bellevue Hospital Center/NYU School of Medicine, Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine - April 19, 2011 – Open Letter to 9/11 Survivors, Responders, and All Interested Parties about the Establishment of the World Trade Center Health Program
- March 31, 2011 – Comments received in response to the request for information on conditions relating to cancer to consider for the WTC Health Program
- March 29, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Information on Conditions Relating to Cancer to Consider for the World Trade Center Health Program
(extension of public comment period) - March 8, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Information on Conditions Relating to Cancer to Consider for the World Trade Center Health Program
- March 7, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Information on Implementation of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–347)
- March 3, 2011 – Public meeting to receive comments on implementing the provisions of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–347).
- February 11, 2011 – Federal Register Notice: Implementation of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 Announcement of March 3, 2011, public meeting for receiving comments from the public on implementing the provisions of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–347). The Federal government is developing an implementation plan, and comments from the public will assist in this process by gaining perspectives from interested parties on ways to meet the Act's requirements.
- January 2, 2011 – Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act), which was signed by President Barack Obama on January 2, 2011, as Public Law 111-347. The Zadroga Act amends the Public Health Service Act and establishes the WTC Health Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Zadroga Act directed the Administrator of the WTC Health Program to establish by regulation certain Program procedures, including enrollment and appeals processes.