WTC

The World Trade Center Health Program, which was established after the 9/11 terror attacks, has issued an RFP for outreach and education services aimed at underrepresented populations of survivors and responders who may not be aware of the benefits they are entitled to. The effort also will inform those people about how to apply for the benefits.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 established the WTCHP to provide monitoring and treatment benefits for emergency responders, recovery and cleanup workers of the attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.

It also covers students, residents, building occupants, and area workers who were adversely affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in NYC.

An estimated 400K people in NYC were impacted by the dust cloud caused by the collapse of the WTC towers and burning of adjacent buildings; and the ensuing smoke cloud that spread toxic compounds throughout the surrounding area.

Only about a quarter of them have enrolled in the program.

Individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in the WTCHP program.

The WTCHP is looking for outreach targeted at underrepresented survivors including Spanish- and Chinese-speakers, Lower Manhattan residents and people who were less than 21 years old on 9/11.

Underrepresented responder categories include general responders with a focus on labor union outreach, non-traditional responders (construction workers, volunteers, journalists and communications workers), Spanish-speakers and Pentagon/Shanksville responders.

Proposals are due April 4. WTCHP is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read the RFP.