People of all ages were impacted by 9/11.

Artful drawing of lungs with the World Trade Center Towers represented in each lung

Cartoon reproduction created and provided by Ali Shapiro, former Stuyvesant High School Student. This is also featured in the Health Effects of 9/11 Exhibition, alongside other Program members' poignant stories of healing and resilience.

Were you a child, teenager, and/ or student in the New York City Disaster Area on or soon after 9/11? Have you been struggling with long-term health issues since then?

Ali Shapiro, who was a student at Stuyvesant High School on 9/11, created this image for her school newspaper in November 2001, to highlight the health risks faced by downtown students in the aftermath of 9/11.

Ali’s story is a reminder of the thousands of children who lived, worked, or went to school or daycare in close proximity to the WTC site, and who are now dealing with health conditions stemming from their 9/11 exposures.

If you were in the NYC Disaster Area on 9/11 and experience a covered condition, consider enrolling in the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for certified WTC-related conditions at no out-of-pocket cost.
Learn more about covered conditions

Top World Trade Center health related conditions among Survivors who were 21 years and younger on 9/11:

  1. Chronic rhinosinusitis
  2. Asthma
  3. Cancer
  4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  6. Anxiety disorder (not otherwise specified)
  7. Adjustment disorder
  8. Major depressive disorder
  9. Generalize anxiety disorder
  10. Chronic respiratory disorder - Fumes / Vapors

*As of April 2024

Icons representing different medical conditions

An estimated 3,400
WTC Survivors and Responders who were 21 years or younger on 9/11 are currently enrolled and are eligible to receive benefits through the Program.

Survivor care benefits include:

  • Cancer screening
  • Mental health treatment
  • Physical health treatment
  • Annual monitoring Exams

If you are eligible, you could receive these same benefits at no-cost to you.

*As of April 2024

How to Apply

There are 3 steps to apply to become a member. Visit these pages to learn more:

1. See if you are eligible as a Survivor 2. Review supporting documentation requirements 3. Complete application

What is the Youth Research Cohort?

In December 2022, legislation was passed requiring the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program to establish a new Youth Research Cohort. The purpose of this cohort is to enable future studies on the health, social, and educational impacts on persons aged 21 years or younger within a certain distance of the WTC site on and after 9/11.
Learn more about the Youth Research Cohort

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