September 11 : HHS Needs To Develop A Plan That Incorporates Lessons From The Responder Health Programs

Book Description:

Following the World Trade Center (WTC) attack, the Congress appropriated $8 billion to FEMA for response and recovery activities. The Dept. of Health and Human Serv. (HHS) received some of this funding to establish health screening and monitoring programs for responders to the disaster and to fund treatment. In total, $369 million has been appropriated for the WTC health programs. There have been problems that these programs have had in ensuring the availability of services for all responders. This report examines lessons from the WTC health programs that could guide future programs. This report examines: (1) lessons from the programs¿ experience; and (2) HHS actions or plans that incorporate the lessons. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.