Key facts
- The World Trade Center Health Program is still short-staffed despite recent efforts to fill positions.
- Advocacy groups dispute the number of hires, stating only four people have been hired so far.
- Dr. John Howard was reappointed as the program's head before his term expired in November.
- The program provides medical monitoring and treatment for over 140,000 first responders and survivors.
- Staff primarily oversee and administer care, handling contracts, research, enrollment, and approvals.
The federal health program for 9/11 responders remains understaffed, hindering its ability to manage medical monitoring and treatment for over 140,000 individuals with conditions linked to the attacks. While the Health and Human Services (HHS) department was permitted to fill 37 vacant positions, advocacy groups like Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act report that only four people have been hired so far, with more under consideration. Ben Chevat, executive director of the advocacy group, stated that systemic problems were not fixed despite the reversal of previous cuts.
White House spokesperson Allison Schuster affirmed President Trump's commitment to the responders, noting that Secretary Kennedy took initiative to reverse cuts, fill nearly 40 positions, and reappoint the program's head. However, Chevat disputed the number of hires. HHS did not respond to requests for comment on the discrepancy.
Adding to the uncertainty, Dr. John Howard, who has led the program since its inception, was awaiting reappointment as his six-year term neared its November expiration. A bipartisan group of lawmakers had urged Secretary Kennedy to make a decision. Kennedy has since reappointed Howard.
The program's staff are crucial for administering care through contracts, research, enrollment, and approvals, work that advocates and medical professionals say has been stalled due to staffing shortages. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) emphasized the continued need for more staff and resources, even after Congress secured permanent funding and Howard's reappointment.