People from all walks of life were affected by the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.  Many people sickened or injured by the billowing dust clouds and debris flying through the air lived, worked, or attended school in the vicinity of the explosions.  Many others were tourists, travelers, and people in the area for many reasons.

Until now, extended healthcare measures have been available to emergency responders injured or sickened on the scene during and after the attacks but there has been little medical assistance extended to the non-emergency responders directly affected by the disaster.  This situation, however, is soon to change.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced yesterday, July 24, that they will soon bridge the healthcare gap to the public citizens affected by the 9/11 attacks.  The CDC expects to issue grants during the next three years that are earmarked as funds for diagnostic screenings, services, and treatment strategies for the people of the vicinity that were affected by the attacks.

The CDC will be accepting bids from all interested parties until August 25, 2008.  The grant program will total $30 million in award monies that will be granted to no more than three total organizations who will provide healthcare services to the people in the area who need medical care as a result of the 9/11 events.

Source: CDC