It's been twelve years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The events of that day still haunt many of the responders who worked at the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA.
In July of 2011 the World Trade Center Health Program, run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under the CDC, began offering counseling for responders who are suffering from symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. On May 1 of this year Flight 93 and Pentagon responders were offered this counseling.
Laurie Breyer, manager of communications & outreach for the WTC Health Program says responders can receive coverage for PTSD, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. It even extends to air diseases, digestive disorders, and more than 50 forms of cancer.
For those who don’t exhibit PTSD symptoms, Breyer says responders would qualify for annual monitoring and screenings, even if they aren’t feeling sick or showing symptoms.
First responders can apply to the program at http://www.cdc.gov/wtc. The application materials can also be obtained by calling 888-982-4748.
