WTC responders to receive much-needed funds

[DoYouEverWonder]

October 30, 2006

World Trade Center clinical programs have received a $48 million infusion of federal money to treat Sept. 11 responders, a sign that medical care of workers is shifting from monitoring to treatment.

"I think that it signals, hopefully, a longer-term commitment to these responders who continue to suffer ... and that the federal government is recognizing that," said Dr. Benjamin Luft, principal investigator of the Long Island World Trade Center Monitoring and Treatment Program at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

<snip>

Up to now, all the money the federal government has provided has been for screening and monitoring -- $125 million. Money to provide actual medical treatment came from the Red Cross, which has donated $24.6 million since June 2005.

But the large numbers of responders who have become sick propelled the New York congressional delegation to fight last year for more federal money. In a study published last month by the monitoring and treatment group, 59 percent of 9,442 responders examined between July 2002, and April 2004, reported persistent respiratory symptoms. About half of those screened also have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, Luft said.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-liwtc1031,0,1329169.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

About damn time.

[uppityperson]

1. Good, about time. Now, to work on getting vets more care.