Today, 9-11 and Healthcare Reform Converge
Posted: Friday, September 11, 2009
by Edward Rhymes
As we commemorate this 8th anniversary of that somber and horrific day and as vigils are being, fittingly, held to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks; we need to also look at a group of victims that are often forgotten in the September 11 narrative: the thousands of rescue workers who became sick after being exposed to contaminants at Ground Zero. Hundreds have died since that September day in 2001 and many more are at death's door. Almost exactly a year ago, Congress abandoned legislation to provide billions of dollars in health care for September 11th recovery workers.
There was a study released in 2006, the largest study up to that point, of the thousands of workers who labored at Ground Zero. It found that the impact of the rescue and recovery effort on their health has been more widespread and persistent than was previously thought, and is likely to linger far into the future. The study, by doctors at Mount Sinai Medical Center, erased any lingering doubts about the connection between dust from the Trade Center and numerous diseases that the workers have reported suffering. This report was also expected to increase pressure on the federal government to provide health care for sick workers who do not have health insurance. Roughly 70 percent of nearly 10,000 workers tested at Mount Sinai from 2002 to 2004 reported that they had new or substantially worsened respiratory problems while or after working at Ground Zero.
For example, one-third of the patients in the study showed diminished lung capacity in tests designed to measure the amount of air a person can exhale. Among nonsmokers, 28 percent were found to have some breathing impairment, more than double the rate for nonsmokers in the general population. Most of the Ground Zero workers in the study who reported trouble breathing while working there were still having those problems up to two and a half years later, an indication that the illnesses were becoming chronic and are not likely to improve over time. Some of them worked without face masks, or with flimsy ones. Dr. Robin Herbert, co-director of Mount Sinai's World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, called the findings (which were published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), "very worrisome," especially because 40 percent of those who went to Mount Sinai for medical screening did not have health insurance, and will thus did not get proper medical care. One such individual is Joe Picurro, a New Jersey ironworker who worked as a volunteer on the pile for twenty-eight days. Joe Picurro was one of thousands of men and women who showed up at Ground Zero on September 11th to help with the rescue and recovery efforts. He was thirty-four years old at the time.
Now Joe is dying. His doctor has told him he has the lungs of a ninety-five-year-old. His lungs are so inflamed from all the tiny particles of glass and even human bone fragments lodged in them that for every breath, he pays a price of agonizing pain. He's been unable to work for the last five years and takes thirty-seven different medicines.
This evidence gives us some sort of an idea of the price that was paid by Americans in service to America. I do not believe that it would be a quantum leap in logic to surmise that some of these individuals under current healthcare policy would not qualify in some circles because of "pre-existing conditions." Where is our sense of honor and duty if we allow this injustice to stand?
On a slightly more positive note, on June 24, 2009, New York and New Jersey lawmakers asked Congress to provide $12 billion in long-term medical care and monitoring to thousands of Sept. 11 workers who became sick after being exposed to toxic dust and debris at the World Trade Center site. The bill would reopen, until 2031, a compensation fund for those who became ill after a 2003 deadline. It also would expand research of their illnesses and extend medical care to ailing workers who live outside of New York. The bill, by the way, was named for James Zadroga, a retired city detective who became ill after working hundreds of hours at ground zero. Zadroga, who died of lung disease at 34 in 2006, was declared killed in the line of duty by the NYPD. It is my hope --- and my prayer --- that Congress will not just pay lip-service to heroism, but honor it by passing this bill. There are nearly 16,000 responders and 2,700 community workers who are sick and in need of treatment. There are occasions when catastrophe provides us with a mirror with which to see ourselves; the characteristics of nobility and valor, and the vices of cruelty and insensitivity. It can also, if we are blessed enough, make available a window of opportunity to do better; to be better. I believe that we have such a chance right now. In this microcosm that is the plight of the ailing rescue workers of 9/11, we should be able to see the broader healthcare reform landscape and narrative.
A SearchWarp colleague, beautifully, directed our attention to a caption posted in an ad campaign paying homage to those brave souls who put their lives on the line in service to others: "While others rushed out, he rushed in." I am grateful for that righteous reminder. As we commemorate the honor and the heroism; the lives irreversibly altered and lost on that day, let us not forgot the heroes that rushed in while others rushed out, who are still fighting the good fight in the absence of the spotlight and without healthcare.
When they were called, they answered; when they were not called, they volunteered and did not say: "it's not my responsibility." Eight years ago today, we did not choose the pain and heartbreak that was inflicted upon us; but now, we do have a choice in easing the suffering of those who answered the call.
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More commentsVery eye opening, Edward. I must admit that I too am guilty of forgetting those who suffer because they chose to help. I fear that is often the case, not just with 9/11. While I don't believe that we can fully compensate everyone for their sacrifice (indeed, that is why it is called sacrifice), I believe they will be rewarded justly by God. If not in this life then in the next.Thanks J.D. Yes, I believe that ultimately justice will be served either here or in the hereafter. However I am reminded of a verse of scripture: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness ... (Micah 6:8 ESV). It is our responsibility to do justice here and now; no one, in my opinion should be more earnest about that than a Christian. It is something that motivates me in service to my Lord. Thanks again J.D. for commenting and I'm glad you're here on SearchWarp.
Reminds me too of our military who signed up and were made promises about retirement, heath care and now that "game plan" has changed for many retiring - I have friends this affects. If we can spend SO much on foreign aid you'd think we could spend some at home, especially for our societies true heros. Well written piece and timed. MarijoThank you Marijo. One would think that we would take better care of those who sacrificed in service to our country and fellow citizens. I believe that we have to, as Christians, be voices for justice and mercy. Thanks again for commenting Marijo and God bless you.
Great article! You presented facts I had no idea about--Thanks!Thanks Steve. The plight of thousands of 9/11 rescue workers is an overlooked story; I thought and think it deserves more attention. Thanks for reading commenting Steve.
Perfectly stated. I pray this new bill is approved. and confess my ingnorance to the fact that coverage has been denied for our men and women who gave and and conitnue to give so generously of themselves. I would glady pay more taxes if it means those who make my freedom available will be cared for all the days of their lives. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will not forget this and will step up. Blessings to you dear brother in Christ! TeresaThanks Sister. I've said this in other comments, but I do believe it bears repeating. These forgotten individuals (and forgotten casualties as well) worked and toiled at Ground Zero during and post 9/11 in that toxic rubble for hours, days, weeks and sometimes months --- and this is our gratitude. I also continue to contend that this is part of the broader healthcare reform debate as well --- a large percentage of these men and women either didn't have healthcare coverage or their healthcare didn't cover their resulting illnesses. Thanks for commenting Sister and Blessings to you and the Ortiz family.
Read this piece when it came up because I am in your fan club - liked it then and now! Thanks for writing this! MarijoThanks again for your kind words Marijo and I'm glad you liked it. Blessings to you Sister!
Some sentences and some paragraphs far too long. Check grammar. Thank you for highlighting the thankless and dangerous work of those who committed their lives and health to repairing 9/11.Thank you Leslie for your insights.
Splendid write, Edward!... "when we needed you, you sacrificed and were there; now that you need us, the price is too high (but not for the bankers)." ...This statement is definite proof of how much we can depend on the gov't actually being there for the people.Thanks for sharing a much needed article, Edward!Thanks Ronyae. I hope we are able to see the injustice in all of this. Thanks for commenting Ronyae!Indeed ... a hope for all hopes, Edward.
Edward-I agree that I hope the bill passes for those who fought so hard to save others! Thanks for sharing this important information!Thanks for commenting Laura. The passage of the specific bill that pertains to the 9/11 workers should be passed without a doubt and I have advocated strongly for that. Thanks again for commenting Laura!
Wonderful article, Edward. I had no idea that these heros were being left behind. I hope that the compensation and care comes to tose who so deserve it.Thanks for reading Ken. As I cited your work, I also thank you for the inspiration. Thanks again for commenting.
Edward, a lot to ponder. And once again, well said. Thanks for the article.I hope not too much to ponder :) Thanks for reading and commenting Jeff.
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