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Who We Are »
Betsy Combier

Help Us to Continue to Help Others »
Email: betsy.combier@gmail.com

 
The E-Accountability Foundation announces the

'A for Accountability' Award

to those who are willing to whistleblow unjust, misleading, or false actions and claims of the politico-educational complex in order to bring about educational reform in favor of children of all races, intellectual ability and economic status. They ask questions that need to be asked, such as "where is the money?" and "Why does it have to be this way?" and they never give up. These people have withstood adversity and have held those who seem not to believe in honesty, integrity and compassion accountable for their actions. The winners of our "A" work to expose wrong-doing not for themselves, but for others - total strangers - for the "Greater Good"of the community and, by their actions, exemplify courage and self-less passion. They are parent advocates. We salute you.

Winners of the "A":

Johnnie Mae Allen
David Possner
Dee Alpert
Aaron Carr
Harris Lirtzman
Hipolito Colon
Larry Fisher
The Giraffe Project and Giraffe Heroes' Program
Jimmy Kilpatrick and George Scott
Zach Kopplin
Matthew LaClair
Wangari Maathai
Erich Martel
Steve Orel, in memoriam, Interversity, and The World of Opportunity
Marla Ruzicka, in Memoriam
Nancy Swan
Bob Witanek
Peyton Wolcott
[ More Details » ]
 
On September 11, 2001, Were You or Your Children Near the World Trade Centers in New York City?

Press Release
For Release
September 9, 2004 Contact: CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

First Reports of Health Effects in World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers Find High Rates of Respiratory and Mental Health Problems
Screening finds half of those examined had upper or lower respiratory symptoms, and more than half had psychological symptoms that persisted after their WTC efforts stopped

Nearly half of more than 1,000 screened rescue and recovery workers and volunteers who responded to the World Trade Center attacks have new and persistent respiratory problems, and more than half have persistent psychological symptoms, according to preliminary data from a medical screening program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by the Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City.

"These findings suggest that specialized medical monitoring programs for rescue and recovery workers that identify potential problems and make appropriate referrals for treatment should be part of all emergency preparedness plans," said Dr. John Howard, director of the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). "Early provision of respiratory and other protective equipment is also crucial for preventing physical and mental health effects."

The findings released today in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report are based on evaluation of data from 1,138 participants (91% were men and the median age was 41) who voluntarily enrolled in the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program. Through August 2004, the screening program has provided free standardized medical assessments, clinical referrals and occupational health education to nearly 12,000 workers and volunteers exposed to environmental contaminants, psychological stressors, and physical hazards. Besides respiratory and mental health effects, program participants also reported lower back and upper or lower extremity pain, heartburn, eye irritation, and frequent headache.

"These preliminary findings of the WTC Screening Program demonstrate that large numbers of workers and volunteers suffered persistent, substantial effects on their respiratory and psychological health as a result of their efforts," said Dr. Stephen Levin, Co-Director of the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program.

Only 21% of the workers and volunteers participating in the screening program, most of whom were police officers and utility and construction workers (Fire Department of New York personnel are covered by other programs), had appropriate respiratory protection September 11-14, 2001. During that period, exposures to dust, diesel exhaust, pulverized cement, glass fibers, asbestos, and other airborne contaminants were considered to be greatest.

Of the 1,138 screened workers and volunteers whose responses were analyzed for these reports, 51% met the pre-determined criteria for risk of mental health problems. The responses also indicated that the participants' risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was four times the rate of PTSD in the general male population.

CDC has provided $81 million to continue the medical screening for these responders for 5 years. When the screening indicates need for treatment, the WTC Health Effects Treatment Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center, established through philanthropic sources, provides additional clinical evaluation and treatment at no cost to participants.

In Spring 2002, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced $10.5 million in funds for research and training to address health concerns related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and $2 million for mental health and substance abuse services for rescue workers who responded to the disaster. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has funds available for mental health treatment of these workers and volunteers through September 2005. Since September 2001, DHHS has provided more than $126 million to support services for affected communities, including crisis counseling, mental health services, and emergency food and shelter.

CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has accelerated efforts to protect emergency responders from health and safety hazards in responding to terrorist incidents. NIOSH issued new criteria for testing and certifying respirators used by emergency responders against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear exposures. NIOSH also is partnering with responders, emergency response agencies, manufacturers, and other federal agencies to improve respirators and other personal protective equipment, improve training and education for responders, and improve safety management at disaster sites.

Reports on World Trade Center-related physical and mental health effects in rescue and recovery workers and volunteers.

More information about the Mount Sinai medical screening program

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© 2003 The E-Accountability Foundation