The Trump administration has reinstated funding and staff for the World Trade Center Health Program following bipartisan backlash over recent cuts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the restoration of two research grants and the re-hiring of 16 employees who were let go. Advocacy from individuals like John Feal, a retired construction worker injured during recovery efforts, highlighted the urgency of the program, which provides medical treatment for those affected by the 9/11 attacks. The cuts had drawn significant criticism for potentially delaying patient enrollment and treatment.
The White House underestimated us, he said. He and other advocates began mobilizing opposition to the cuts last week as soon as the Trump administration fired 16 health program employees who helped administer medical treatment for those suffering from attack-related toxins.
Advocates, members of Congress and workers who had been let go said that in addition to the 16 workers who were fired, others had taken buyouts and left.
The program's 90-member staff was reduced about 20 percent overall. Advocates, members of Congress and workers who had been let go said that in addition to the 16 workers who were fired, others had taken buyouts and left.
Democratic lawmakers said the cuts would delay enrollment for new patients and make fewer workers available to patients and help with diagnoses and treatment.
#trump-administration #world-trade-center-health-program #911-survivors #bipartisan-support #cdc-policies
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