Some 9/11 first responders are being turned away from the program meant to save them

ABC News - May 1st, 2025

A significant disruption has occurred within the World Trade Center Health Program, a federally funded initiative designed to support 9/11 responders and survivors. Dr. David Prezant, chief medical officer of the NYC Fire Department, reported that three patients, including a firefighter with pancreatic cancer, were denied critical treatments due to administrative standstills. This halt in care is linked to the uncertain reinstatement of Dr. John Howard as the program's administrator, combined with recent layoffs of 16 staff members. These developments have left patients unable to receive essential treatments such as chemotherapy and lung transplants.

The freeze on treatment has deepened concerns as the program, which has seen enrollment nearly double since 2015, struggles with staffing and funding issues. Despite bipartisan efforts to address these challenges through proposed legislation, a bill to bridge financial gaps remains stalled in Congress. The situation underscores a broader crisis in fulfilling commitments to 9/11 responders and survivors, as the Zadroga Act's promise of lifelong care is jeopardized. Advocacy groups and medical professionals are urging the federal government to resolve these issues swiftly to prevent further loss of life among those who risked their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

Health And Human Services Federal Funding Cancer Treatment World Trade Center Health Program 9/11 Responders Dr. David Prezant Dr. John Howard Zadroga Act

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the urgent challenges faced by 9/11 responders due to the operational issues within the World Trade Center Health Program. It provides a clear and engaging narrative supported by credible sources, such as Dr. David Prezant. However, the story would benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly from the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide a more balanced view. Additionally, greater transparency in the reporting methodology and detailed explanations of the certification process would enhance the article's accuracy and clarity. Overall, the story raises important public interest issues and has the potential to influence public opinion and advocacy efforts, though its impact on policy changes may be limited without additional perspectives and official statements.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims, such as the denial of chemotherapy to a 9/11 responder and the operational standstill of the World Trade Center Health Program. These claims are supported by statements from Dr. David Prezant, a credible source given his position. However, the article lacks direct confirmation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding Dr. John Howard's administrative status, which is a critical piece of information affecting the program's functionality. Additionally, while the article mentions staffing cuts and budget issues, it does not provide detailed financial data or official statements from HHS to substantiate these claims, leaving some areas requiring further verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Dr. Prezant and advocacy groups, focusing on the challenges faced by 9/11 responders and the program's operational issues. It lacks a counterbalancing viewpoint from the Department of Health and Human Services or other governmental bodies, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The presentation leans towards highlighting the negative impact on patients without exploring potential solutions or the government's perspective on addressing these challenges.

Clarity

The language and structure of the article are clear and concise, making it accessible to a general audience. The story effectively communicates the urgency of the situation faced by 9/11 responders and the operational challenges of the World Trade Center Health Program. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of the certification process and the specific reasons behind the program's standstill, which would help readers better understand the complexities involved.

Source quality

The sources cited in the article, including Dr. David Prezant, are authoritative and relevant to the topic, lending credibility to the story. Dr. Prezant's role as the chief medical officer of the New York City Fire Department and director of the World Trade Center Health Program provides him with direct insight into the program's operations. However, the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, including official statements from the Department of Health and Human Services, to enhance the reliability and depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the World Trade Center Health Program and its challenges, such as staffing cuts and budget shortfalls. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the claims, such as how the information was gathered or verified. The absence of direct quotes or statements from the Department of Health and Human Services also limits the transparency of the article, as readers are not provided with a complete picture of the situation or the government's response.