Since the World Trade Center disaster in 2001, many people have expressed concerns about the possibility of health effects associated with the events of that day including exposure to the resultant smoke and debris. In response to these concerns, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP) to medically screen Federal employees who were involved in rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations.

This screening is designed to detect adverse health effects resulting from the response to this event. RTI International, a non-profit research firm, is assisting us in locating and contacting potentially eligible individuals. You are eligible to register for the medical screening program if you are a current, former, or retired Federal employee and were involved in rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations in or around the World Trade Center site or at any of the debris handling operations on Staten Island for at least one shift any time between September 11, 2001 and September 10, 2002.

If you meet these criteria, we urge you to enroll in the program by registering at this website: https://wtcophep.rti.org. This screening program is strictly voluntary and all medical screening information will be kept private and confidential. To enroll in the program, simply log on to our website and select "Enroll in Program." A form will appear where you will fill in your name and contact information. After you register on-line, you will be contacted to arrange an examination at a location convenient for you.

Prior to your examination, you will need to download and complete the questionnaire shown on the website and bring it with you to your appointment. The examination will be provided to you at no cost. We believe that this is an important public health initiative.

The greater the number of participants included, the more effective we can be in identifying any developing health problems and referring those who need follow on health care to appropriate professionals. We hope that you choose to participate, and thank you in advance for your help.

For more information, please visit the website https://wtcophep.rti.org or contact us by telephone at (866) 214-2040.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ann Knebel, RN, DNSc, FAAN
Lisa Thalji
Deputy Director
Project Director Office of Mass Casualty Planning RTI International