Public Employee Press


Snapshots
Edited by Alfredo Alvarado

Guille Mejia joins 9/11 task force

DC 37 Safety and Health Director Guille Mejia was appointed to the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force in April by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie.

Established in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the task force helps first responders and other victims afflicted with disabilities and health problems related to working at the World Trade Center disaster site.

The duties of the 19-member task force include obtaining data on the health impact on workers who participated in the rescue and recovery efforts and subsequent clean-up operations at the World Trade Center. The task force submits annual reports to elected state officials and oversees the collection of health data on workers by city and state health departments.

The task force also examines existing programs and services to determine the adequacy of coverage and treatment of specific disabilities. It also makes recommendations for treatments.

"Our tasks also include reexamining existing legislation involving benefits and health care," said Mejia. "I am honored to be named. There is a lot of work to do ahead."