What's left to do?

by Mikki Baloy, LDRNY Coordinator

Whenever I meet someone and tell him or her what I do for a living, they raise an eyebrow.  Granted, managing a disaster response agency isn’t a typical job for a young woman with a Theater degree, but the surprise is usually stirred when I talk about 9/11.  LDRNY is one of only a small handful of agencies still responding to the long-term effects of that disaster, and the question I am invariably asked is “What’s left to do?” The short answer is: Too much.

Take for example the recovery workers so lauded in the media during the nine months of the clean-up effort.  Iron workers, carpenters, sanitation workers, engineers, volunteers, counselors and clergy, asbestos abatement crews, countless others—over 40,000 people spent significant time at Ground Zero.  We celebrated their hard work and determination, their care and sensitivity with the remains of those who were killed.  They were an inspiration, and the subject of our prayers and thanks.  Today, many of those workers are struggling with a variety of illnesses connected with the toxic smoke and soot of the WTC wreckage, illnesses so severe that they may never work a full-time job again. LDRNY has advocated for legislation to help them, and has also worked closely with case management agencies in order to assist them with emotional and financial needs that have resulted from their sacrifices.  The New York Times reported this week that a 34-year-old police officer passed away from his Ground Zero-related respiratory ailments.  He was found to have fiberglass in his lungs and pulmonary disease, and left behind a 4-year-old daughter.  In addition, St. Mark’s Place sees many recovery workers with a host of 9/11 illnesses, and reported recently that there have been several suicides in the past six months.

Mt. Sinai’s WTC Medical Monitoring Program estimates that more than half of the recovery workers they screen will be diagnosed with physiological and/or mental health issues that will require treatment.  Mt. Sinai staff can help these men and women apply for the few benefits available to them, like Workers Compensation and Medicaid.  Unfortunately, there is often a gap in income between the time that a client has to leave their job and the arrival of the first benefit check.  Those who were capable breadwinners before 2001 are now not only sick, but have financial and mental health needs, as well.  At present, there is little assistance for them.  To make matters worse, certain rules in the Workers Compensation system, like the statute of limitations, may prevent some deserving clients from receiving any help at all, despite evidence that symptoms of their illnesses may not surface until years after the initial exposure.  LDRNY is conscious of the struggles of these brave men and women.  We continue to assist at the Unmet Needs Roundtable, and have written to Congress about pending health care legislation.  We also work with Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross on Faithful Response, providing effective, pro bono trauma counseling.  The symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, prevalent even among those who simply witnessed the attacks, often do not appear until 4-6 years after the incident—or to put it plainly, until now.

It is probable that more and more recovery workers will suffer from WTC-related illnesses.  Lower Manhattan residents and employees, who were also exposed to the debris and polluted air, are now and may continue to be diagnosed with respiratory, digestive, and psychological ailments.  LDRNY is committed, as we have always been, to serve those in need in the wake of disaster, but we cannot do it alone.  Please consider writing to your elected officials and making a donation to our Emergency Assistance fund.  40,000 brave souls deserve to be remembered and cared for, now more than ever.  There is still so much left to do.

Browse any of the links on our website for more on LDRNY’s programs and parternships, including grassroots healing ministries, emergency food grants, and programs for children.