Health Screenings for Recovery Workers Resume at Mt. Sinai

Mt. Sinai Hospital will begin accepting new patients into the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening program.  The program had ended last year, but was revived by a federal grant.  Mt. Sinai estimates that some 40,000 workers at the site inhaled dust, soot, and smoke in the 9 months that followed the disaster. So far, 12,000 have been examined.  

Recovery workers have been diagnosed with physical ailments, including gastro-esophageal reflux, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and other pulmonary and respiratory disorders.  Many are also being treated for mental health issues, which are only recently surfacing and being diagnosed.  Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress syndrome are very common among those who worked at Ground Zero. 

Mt. Sinai’s program offers free medical exams, referrals to counseling, and case management for those in need of financial assistance.  Many patients are eligible for Workers Compensation, public assistance, and other benefits. There are several examination locations in the tri-state area, and all services are confidential.

If you or someone you know worked or volunteered at Ground Zero, please visit www.wtcexams.org or call 888-702-0630 to learn more about eligibility.