Thousands exposed to 9/11 attacks eligible for free health care

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:00 AM PT — Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Thousands of former students, staff, and teachers who were exposed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks may be eligible for free health care under the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Education officials in the city are reportedly trying to contact thousands of former students who attended public school near ground Zero to tell them they are eligible for the program.Victims would qualify if they have suffered from any of the 68 cancers or lung illnesses formally associated to the attacks by the World Trade Center Health Program. The Department of Education plans on launching a social media campaign and sending letters out to all 19,000 eligible people to ensure the message gets out to everyone.This comes after the Trump administration proudly signed a bill in July, which permanently extends the fund for people exposed to toxins related to the terrorist attacks.“For your entire lives you have gone far beyond your duty to us and today we strive to fulfill our sacred duty to you. We love you. We honor you and we thank you. God bless you all.” — President TrumpA photo taken on September 11, 2001 by the New York City Police Department as the North Tower collapses, engulfing lower Manhattan in smoke and ash. (AP Photo/NYPD, Det. Greg Semendinger)The 9/11 Victims Fund came into the international spotlight in June when comedian Jon Stewart made an emotional testimony on Capitol Hill for lawmakers to extend the program indefinitely. However, the majority of the focus was on compensation for first responders — not students and teachers.Former students who were there on that fateful day are now saying they are glad something is being done to let victims know they are able to receive help. Everybody who was exposed to the toxins released by 9/11 and has developed a related disease is reportedly eligible to receive treatment through the fund.