This summer thousands of workers and volunteers who responded to the World Trade Center attack will become eligible for free long-term health screening through a government-sponsored study at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan. Eligible participants will be referred to other health care providers for treatment.

"DC 37 members were among the men and women exposed to toxins as they selflessly and valiantly kept this city going during and after the Sept. 11 tragedy," said Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

Thousands exposed
Three DC 37 members died in the attack and thousands more were exposed to hazardous dust and debris during the rescue, recovery and cleanup mission at the disaster site and at the Fresh Kills landfill.

Concerned about the health effects on those who worked at or near Ground Zero, U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton introduced legislation that provided $12 million for baseline and follow-up medical testing, with another $90 million pending.

At a May 17 news conference with doctors, hospital officials and Ms. Roberts, Sen. Clinton announced plans for the free program.

"What's most important," she said, "is that this Ground Zero worker health tracking program will be in place for the long-term - up to 20 years."

"This is a serious matter. According to the health surveys we received, many city workers are experiencing serious respiratory and health problems as a result of their work at Ground Zero," said Lee Clarke, head of DC 37's Safety and Health Dept. "We want our members to go to the Mount Sinai clinic for help." To be screened for participation in the study, call the toll-free hotline at (888) 702-0630.