Over 1,500 people in Connecticut are part of the World Trade Center Health Program, which helps those with illnesses related to 9/11. Established in 2011, this federal program covered over $342 million in medical claims last year alone, according to CDC data.
Recently, Senator Richard Blumenthal and other lawmakers raised concerns about delays in certifying new illnesses and the overall functioning of the program. In their letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, they questioned staffing and communication issues affecting the program. They emphasized, “Dismantling the work of WTCHP puts heroic 9/11 responders’ lives at risk.”
Critics have noted funding challenges and staffing changes in the program, leading to longer wait times for medical care. Blumenthal expressed frustration, stating that those impacted deserve the benefits promised to them.
A representative from the Department of Health and Human Services assured that services continue and new applications are being processed. However, lawmakers are still waiting for a detailed response.
Vincent Caprio, a 9/11 first responder from Easton, shared his experience. He was at the World Trade Center Marriott on that tragic day and later spent 400 hours as an EMT at Ground Zero. Caprio didn’t face health issues until 2017, sixteen years later. He has since been certified for multiple conditions, including thyroid cancer and PTSD. Despite being grateful for the program, he noted the lengthy process involved in gaining certification: “It took me thousands of hours to get certified,” he explained. “Many people don’t have the patience to navigate it.”
The emotional toll resonates deeply during 9/11 remembrance periods. Caprio mentioned the mixed feelings of validation and the administrative burden: “That’s wonderful to be validated. But then when you get home, you’re on the phone for 20 hours a week.”
Michael Barasch, an attorney representing 2,000 9/11 survivors, highlighted how increased wait times for appointments can have serious consequences. “The difference between an appointment in two months versus six months could be life-changing,” he said. Barasch stressed that all victims—first responders or those just returning to work—deserve timely care.
As awareness grows, social media has also highlighted the challenges these heroes face, with support from many advocating for improved funding and resources. The ongoing struggles within the World Trade Center Health Program serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the continued need for support.
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