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Counties From Across the U.S. Adopt 9/11 Health Resolution
March 5, 2008
Westchester County Legislators Champion Measure Calling for Federal Coverage
Washington, D. C. – The National Association of Counties (NACo) this week unanimously adopted a New York State Association of Counties sponsored resolution in support of Federal legislation that will ensure that everyone exposed to the 9/11 Ground Zero toxins continues to have the right to be medically monitored and all who are sick as a result have a right to treatment.
The resolution was sponsored by the Chairman of the Westchester County Legislators, William J. Ryan, in support of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s effort to have congress continue its commitment to fund this important and unique health care program, also known as the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Westchester County Legislator Thomas Abinanti, a member of the Health Steering Committee, advocated for the proposal during the hearing process.
“Providing care and treatment for those injured as a result of the September 11 attacks is a national responsibility. I welcome the support of the National Association of Counties and want to thank Bill Ryan for his leadership on this issue,” said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
In adopting the resolution, NACo representing over three thousand counties nationwide, affirms that it “supports an authorized and fully funded health program to provide research, screening, monitoring and treatment for all those suffering from their exposure during and after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
The World Trade Center Health Registry, established in the aftermath of the tragedy in 2002, has approximately 71,000 enrollees from across the country. While most of the affected individuals come from the New York City metropolitan area, other affected individuals come from all 50 states and every U.S. congressional district.
"September 11th was a world changing event," said Bill Ryan, Chairman of Westchester County's Board of Legislators. The destruction of the World Trade Center impacted the health an wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of emergency responders and others. These people are now suffering from an array of respiratory, digestive and mental health problems. The federal government needs to finance and monitor their treatment."
An estimated 410,000 people were exposed to the toxins, and these individuals now live in every state in the nation. “Subsequent to this tragic event, many of these individuals become ill and many struggled without adequate health coverage,” said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association. “This measure and the proposed legislation will make sure that the Federal government remains committed to these individuals and their families.”
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), founded in 1925, is a bi-partisan municipal association representing the 62 counties of New York State. NYSAC is the only statewide association representing the interests of nearly 5,000 elected and appointed officials, including county executives, legislators, supervisors, administrators, commissioners and other employees who deliver essential services to the public.
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