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Considerations for Interested Researchers

The WTC Health Program research investigates health conditions arising from the 9/11 attacks and related impacts to WTC Responder and Survivor care.

Over 120,000 Responders and Survivors have enrolled for health care services associated with 9/11 exposure.

120,000+
ENROLLEES

Members of the WTC Health Program receive limited health care through a network of clinics and providers nationwide. To ensure care is effective for treating conditions connected to 9/11 exposures, the WTC Health Program uses research translation. Members receive care through the Clinical Centers of Excellence and the Nationwide Provider Network.

Learn about our member demographics on the Program Statistics Page.

How we solicit, evaluate, & fund quality research proposals

The Research agenda is derived from thorough evaluation of existing published research, and stakeholder engagement to the fullest allowance under The Zadroga Act. Following a brief public comment period, new research funding opportunities are announced on our research page. Each announcement establishes the research goals and funding parameters based on the agenda.

Once an announcement has posted and received applications, a multi-disciplined group of independent peer-reviewers evaluate and score applications based on the merits of the research. This competitive process ensures the appropriate funding for only the highest quality projects.

A computer screen showcasing medical data and charts.

The awarded extramural researchers work within the guidelines of their funding agreements to conduct high quality research.

Data is collected generally through standardized ,annual, medical monitoring examinations and IRB-approved data-collection protocols.

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How Research Informs Care

Published research on 9/11 health effects is added to the Program libraries and bibliographies. That body of evidence is evaluated for determining medical coverage and other Program decisions regarding member care.

The Program creates educational trainings for healthcare professionals.

After training, professionals at the clinics inform the Program members about new scientific and medical understandings related to the 9/11 terror attacks.

Interested in submitting a research proposal?

If you are interested in submitting a research application, request the following information from the appropriate data steward listed below:

  1. Data User Guide;
  2. Data Dictionary; and
  3. Research Collaboration Request Letter Template

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Fire Department of New York (FDNY Responder Data Center)
Data Requests – Jessica Weakley
718-999-0412
Jessica.Weakley@fdny.nyc.gov

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (General Responder Data Center)
Data Requests – Christopher R. Dasaro
212-241-1568
christopher.dasaro@mssm.edu

NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (Survivor Data Center)
Data Requests – Michelle Hyde
212-788-0949
Michelle.Hyde@nychhc.org

WTC Health Registry
Data Requests – Jacquelynn Osoro
718-786-4411
josoro@health.nyc.gov

The World Trade Center Health Program is a limited health care delivery model and resembles a workers compensation model rather than a general health insurance model. This enables function as a good medical neighbor, rather than a patient-centered medical home. Additionally, the Program is limited by the inability to fully enumerate the population at risk and deficiencies in exposure assessment. Exposure characterization is qualitative. Both of these issues lower the statistical power on surveillance, analytics and research conducted program-wide.

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