Sept. 11 attacks still shape health of responders 25 years later

September 11, 2026 at 06:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks, more than 154,000 responders and survivors are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which treats respiratory diseases, cancers and mental health disorders linked to toxic exposures at ground zero. The program, funded through 2090, provides free annual check-ups and specialized care through clinical centers in New York and New Jersey and a national network of doctors. New health challenges are emerging as responders age, with retirement deepening mental health struggles and anniversaries triggering emotional distress.

Key Facts

As of summer 2026, more than 154,000 people are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which is funded through 2090.
The program officially began in 2011 after Congress dedicated long-term funding to Sept. 11 health care.
The program covers responders at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Shanksville, Pa., crash site, as well as New York City residents, workers and students near ground zero.
The collapse of the twin towers and a neighboring 47-story office building released dust that clung to the air for nearly two weeks until it finally rained.

Health Program Coverage

The World Trade Center Health Program includes clinical centers in New York and New Jersey and a national network of participating doctors. People who qualify have an initial evaluation and yearly check-ups along with necessary specialized care at no cost to them. The program cares for people who worked in rescue, response, recovery and cleanup at the disaster sites in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and the plane crash site near Shanksville, Pa. It also covers people in New York City who lived, worked or attended school near the World Trade Center.

Long-Term Health Effects

In New York City, the collapse of the twin towers spewed dust and debris that fueled respiratory diseases, cancers and mental health disorders. Responders to the disasters are aging and developing health issues that can complicate their Sept. 11–related conditions. Retirement can deepen mental health struggles, and anniversaries can be triggering, according to Jodi Streich, mental health director at the World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers University. The news reports and images dominating the airwaves and social media for the 25th anniversary will reactivate emotions and memories that do not go away on September 12, Streich said.