Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling on federal officials to restore staffing to the World Trade Center Health Program.
Hochul said recent personnel reassignments to other federal agencies have reduced the program’s workforce and affected care for first responders and survivors.
The program has seen a more than 25 percent reduction in staff, leaving fewer than 85 employees to oversee about 140,000 enrollees.
Officials said the staffing cuts could delay medical certifications, treatment approvals and care for individuals with 9/11-related illnesses.
“The World Trade Center Health Program is a lifeline for the survivors and first responders who answered the call almost 25 years ago and afterward without hesitation — and they deserve the same support from their government today,” Hochul said.
State officials and first responder organizations said the program provides critical monitoring and treatment for conditions linked to the Sept. 11 attacks.
“To date, more first responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses than the 2,974 killed on September 11, 2001,” officials said.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said the program remains essential for those affected.
“This program is a lifeline for first responders and their families. Maintaining its full strength is essential to ensuring timely care and honoring our commitment to those who served,” James said.
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