NYDIS Attends Mayor's Briefing on 9/11 Health Report 
On February 13, NYDIS staff attended a briefing at City Hall where the Mayor's Office presented a preview of the first comprehensive report on the long-term health impacts of the 9/11 disaster, "Addressing the Health Impacts of 9-11: Report and Recommendations to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg," which was released later that day. NYDIS staff were interviewed and provided documentation for the task force’s assessment. This report should be seen as a sound starting point for developing a comprehensive health monitoring and treatment program. NYDIS also strongly believes that victim compensation and treatment will not meet the needs of all workers. We encourage the City to incorporate funding for long-term case management and referral services as well as cash assistance to support injured recovery workers and their families in achieving sustainable recovery.
The Mayor's afternoon Press Conference:
Video | Press Release
Read the full report (pdf):
www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/911_health_impacts_report.pdf
NYDIS was recently approved as a new VISTA Sponsor Site by the National Corporation for Community Service - 2007 will be the first of a 3-year VISTA Program called, "Capacity Building for Faith-Based Disaster Preparedness & Recovery." Last Spring NYDIS developed the program in collaboration with member/partner agencies - the program will use VISTA members to build the preparedness and recovery capacity of the service sites in their work with low-income and immigrant communities. NYDIS and the program partners are currently recruiting 1 VISTA Leader and 13 VISTA Member positions, 5 members will serve at NYDIS and 8 will serve at these "sub-site" organizations: The Muslim Consultative Network, National Disaster Interfaiths Network, the NYC Office of Emergency Management, The Sikh Coalition, and September Space/World Cares Center. NYDIS' VISTA Supervisor, Daniel Wilson, has begun to coordinate the VISTA recruitment process and posting ads. All VISTA recruits for this program will begin their term of national service in April.
NYDIS is joining the NY Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) in collaboration with the NYS AFL-CIO, WTC Medical Monitoring Program, the Laborers' Health and Safety Trust Fund, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, workers' compensation law firms, the UCC-National Disaster Ministries, and Wall Street Rising, is mounting a media campaign to inform workers throughout the country about the necessity of registering for workers' compensation. Joel Shufro, NYCOSH Executive Director, said, "We know that tens of thousands of people are at risk of becoming ill as a result of their exposure toxic air and to psychological trauma while doing rescue, recovery or cleanup work after 9/11. We want to ensure that every one of them registers with the Workers' Compensation Board before the August 14, 2007, deadline. And if they don't know about the program, they won't register, it's that simple."
Case managers working with Katrina or Rita survivors are required to attend an in-service training prior to presenting at the Roundtable. The purpose of these trainings is to provide case managers with a better understanding of the workings of the Roundtable and to help increase the likelihood that a client's needs could be funded.
Due to extremely low regional temperatures, on Tuesday, February 6 the City opened nine warming centers throughout NYC, located in areas with the highest concentrations of heat loss complaints as indicated by 311 calls. The Warming Centers were open until Saturday, February 10.
The number of patients enrolled at Mount Sinai's WTC health clinic skyrocketed 50% last month following the publicity surrounding the death of retired police officer Cesar Borja. More than 600 additional patients, mostly 9/11 rescue workers, registered in the medical-monitoring program in January claiming they've become ill from breathing toxic air and dust at Ground Zero. In the prior two months, about 400 new patients applied for monitoring. Borja's death of lung disease, believed to be linked to Ground Zero exposure over three months, "increased awareness" about 9/11 health concerns and spurred a new wave of patients, said a Mount Sinai spokesman.
The NYU School of Medicine has teamed up with Bellevue Hospital to open a health center in response to the rise in 9/11-related illnesses. The WTC Environmental Health Center will provide screenings, evaluations and treatments for potential medical and mental health patients, including those who may be uninsured or undocumented, said Alan Aviles, president of Health and Hospitals Corp., which runs the project. It plans to offer most of its services for free.
The WTC Medical Monitoring Program offers free, complete medical examinations. To date, 30,000 responders have been screened under the Program, which is open to responders in NY and across the country who served at Ground Zero. Eligible responders who have not yet been screened are urged to enroll in the program. What doctors learn from monitoring the health of thousands of these workers will help future disaster relief workers.
More than 13,000 enrollees in the WTC Health Registry completed the follow-up survey about their physical and mental health after 9/11. The NYC Health Department (DOHMH) urges all remaining enrollees to complete the re-survey as this is the first opportunity for enrollees to inform the Registry about their physical and mental health since 2004. Data collection will continue for the next several months, and findings will be released to the public. The results should help health experts recognize and treat conditions potentially associated with exposure to 9/11 and its aftermath.
The FDNY WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program has announced a new program to provide eligible FDNY rescue workers (Fire & EMS; active & retired) with free WTC medications. Approved medications will involve no member co-pay. The FDNY-WTC-MMTP evaluates and treats FDNY members, active and retired, who were involved in WTC recovery work. Funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and The Sept 11th Recovery Grant from the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund.
Registration began for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lower Manhattan Test and Clean Program, announced in December. Residents and building owners in Lower Manhattan can register to have the air and dust in their units tested for four contaminants associated with dust from the collapse of the WTC. The program will cover all areas south of Canal and west of Pike and Allen Streets. Priority for testing will be based on a property's proximity to the WTC site. Live operators will be available 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday.
NYC is about to become a laboratory to test ways of strengthening the nation's defenses against a terror attack by a nuclear device or a radioactive "dirty bomb". Starting this spring, the Administration will assess new detection machines at a Staten Island port terminal that are designed to screen cargo and automatically distinguish between naturally occurring radiation and critical bomb-building ingredients. And later this year, the federal government plans to begin setting up a network of radiation alarms at some bridges, tunnels, roadways and waterways into NY. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office is the Homeland Security agency coordinating the work. "Whether or not it works, whether or not it causes too many false alarms, which causes a whole other set of problems, all of these things are still to be determined," said NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
President Bush issued orders February 7 for how federal medical personnel should respond to a nuclear, radiological, biological or chemical attack, saying authorities should focus on threats that can be dealt with medically. The directive says it is not feasible to stockpile medicine and equipment against every possible threat. However, the priority must be on threats with a potential for a catastrophic impact on public health that have the greatest potential to be handled medically. DHS spokesman Russ Knocke called the directive a playbook for how the federal government will respond and coordinate in providing medical treatment in case prevention fails.
When designing systems to protect people and places against terrorist attacks, government officials should take into account that terrorists actively seek and find ways around defensive measures deployed against them, according to a RAND Corporation study issued February 7. "Breaching the Fortress Wall: Understanding Terrorist Efforts to Overcome Defensive Technologies" examines defensive technologies – the systems and approaches used to protect an area and people in it from terrorism - along with the methods terrorist groups have historically used to thwart attempts to discover and frustrate their efforts.
The Access to Care program is an initiative of The American Red Cross' (ARC) Hurricane Recovery Program and is administered by Link2Health, a non-profit subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of NYC. Coverage is retroactive to August 30, 2005 and will cover services received on or prior to April 1, 2008 for those who lived in a pre-disaster area designated by FEMA for individual assistance following Katrina, Rita or Wilma and suffered significant impact.
Prepare New York is a free 45-minute emergency preparedness presentation teaching NYC residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. Participants receive an interactive CD that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan and brochures from the ARC and NYC OEM. The next presentation is on Thursday, March 1, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at 520 West 49th Street.
ARC-GNY has added a second all-terrain vehicle to its fleet of emergency response vehicles. Donated by the GM Foundation, the multi-use H1 HUMMER further expands the Chapter's ability to provide disaster assistance to New Yorkers, especially during severe weather and over rough terrain. Although the H1 will be available to the Chapter wherever it is needed, it will be stationed at the Putnam/West Point Area Office, and easily accessible for operations in Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties.
At the end of January, President Bush acknowledged the fifth anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps program, which includes Citizen Corps. The NYC Citizen Corps Council encourages voluntary citizen involvement to enable individuals citywide to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The new version of the Council Resource Guide will be distributed at the next Citizen Corps Council meeting to be held at OEM Headquarters at 165 Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn on February 21, 2007.
On February 1 the WTC Memorial Foundation announced that it will launch a national outreach tour later this year to raise awareness about building the Memorial, create a broad base of regional support and raise funds for the project. The tour will center on a multi-city interactive exhibition, featuring actual steel beams which will be used to construct the Memorial and Museum.
Five years after 9/11, Lower Manhattan continues its dramatic revival. Led by Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg, and informed by public opinion, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) has facilitated this resurgence by developing and implementing a multifaceted plan to ensure its transformation into a central business district. Through a public process that included more than 200 LMDC-sponsored public meetings, LMDC has identified and addressed the needs of the community by developing projects that ensure the area's renaissance.
World Cares Center (WCC) and Center for the Study of Trauma and Resilience (CSTR) at Columbia University are concluding their final Columbia University Resilience Enhancement (CURE) Workshops, conducted by senior faculty from Columbia University. The core philosophy of this program is that resilience, or "power of recovery," can be cultivated, practiced, and enhanced in preparation for future major stressful events. The CURE program has been specially designed for individuals who have been affected by the 9/11 attacks, and for those who work with affected populations. There is no cost and will be held in Lower Manhattan.
On February 20, from 12:00-4:00 pm, the Salvation Army of Greater NY in collaboration with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus will be hosting a "Mardi Gras Celebration" at the Salvation Army's Central Citadel office at 221 East 52nd Street in Manhattan. Adults and kids are invited to experience a free circus performance, food and refreshments, and music and socializing.
The best way to overcome prejudice and discrimination is to erase ignorance through education that reflects a pluralistic value. The Sikh Coalition website provides some resources that may be of use in educating people on Sikhs, Sikh practices, and Sikh concerns. Since 9/11 the Sikh Community continues to be victimized by bias crimes and employer discrimination – because Sikh men are sometimes mistakenly perceived to be Muslims because of their beards and turbans.
OEM's Ready NY preparedness campaign is designed to help New Yorkers better prepare for all types of emergencies. The following preparedness guides and brochures are available online:
Cold weather can put you at risk for far worse than the common cold. Hypothermia and frostbite are the most common cold-induced illnesses, and they can be life threatening if left unchecked. When the temperature drops, it's important to keep your body sheltered from the air. Hypothermia's symptoms include slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, dizziness, shallow breathing, unusual behavior, and slow, irregular heartbeat; those for frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin.
Information on the status of disaster assistance and other needs is just a phone call away. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) and NYS's toll-free helpline numbers are available for those who have questions once they have registered. Callers may check the status of their application for assistance from the Upstate NY storms and floods; and get answers and referrals to applicable agencies and organizations.
NYC's Fire Department (FDNY) warns that safe measures and precautions should always be taken to ensure a safe, warm home through the winter. Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. Learn what you need to know about furnaces, space heaters, coal and wood stoves, fireplaces, and smoke detectors.
The American Red Cross (ARC) recommends that you conduct fire drills and practice evacuating twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassible or gridlocked. Practice earthquake and tornado drills at home, school and work. Commit a weekend to update phone numbers, disaster supplies and review your plan with everyone.
On February 1, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the "Interim Pre-Pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States - Early Targeted Layered use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions" that focuses on non-pharmaceutical measures (interventions other than vaccination and drug treatment) that might be useful during a flu pandemic to reduce its harm. There are tailored planning guides in the Appendices for businesses, child care programs, schools, faith-based and community organizations, and individuals and families.
The "Pandemic Influenza Planning Guidance for Medical Reserve Corps Units" provides a broad range of pandemic influenza planning and response actions that can be adapted and used by MRC units nationwide. MRC leaders and volunteers play an important role in building on existing public health infrastructure in their communities and will likely provide support in the event of an influenza pandemic.
Do you have a useful resource for caseworkers, recovery providers and clients that you would like to submit? The 
The January issue of Natural Hazards Newsletter features an article on identifying content that should be included in national standards for any disaster public education program. Emergency managers recognize that a well-informed, prepared citizenry provides for more positive disaster outcomes. Data collected from recent disasters indicates that public education should be a higher priority. One study showed, surprisingly, that people are not making additional preparations or familiarizing themselves with local or state emergency plans.
"Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparation Best Practices Model", the US Fire Administration (USFA) offers this draft interim guidance to all service agencies, including fire, police, emergency medical services, public works, 911 call centers, and emergency management. The best practices are designed to promote the development of community-specific guidelines and operational protocols to meet the challenge of a pandemic outbreak while not affecting normal daily response activities.
Designed as a call-to-action for business leaders, DHS' Ready Campaign created Ready Business Mentoring Initiative, designed to help owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare for emergencies. The RBMI includes the Ready Business Mentoring Guides that teach business owners and managers about affordable ways to better protect their businesses. Business and community leaders will learn how to host and deliver business preparedness workshops and training sessions, and outline how businesses can plan to stay in business, talk to employees, and protect assets.
DHS urges pet owners to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives and make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself.
"The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response" is a major long-term exhibition that tells the story of the WTC, the rescue efforts after the attacks, the evidence recovery operation at the Staten Island landfill, and the public response to the 9/11 events. The exhibition, open to the public, includes many objects, images, videos and computer stations documenting these historical events.
Daily Walking Tours led by participants in these events provide uniquely personal perspectives on the events of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001. The Center will remain in place until the permanent WTC Memorial and Museum are completed.
Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy just published "Cities at Risk: Catastrophe, Recovery and Renewal in New York and New Orleans", an edited volume of essays by leading thinkers nationwide exploring the lessons of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. It tackles the critical questions of how cities can prepare for, respond to and rebuild after large-scale disasters.
Subscribe to this bi-monthly e-newsletter offering views on Professional Practice, Advocacy, Education & Research, and Spiritual Development. Sponsored by the HealthCare Chaplaincy in NYC and edited by NYDIS Board President The Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs.
The NYS Emergency Management Association is holding its annual Winter Conference. Topics on the agenda include Water Quality, Animal Response Issues, Pandemic Flu, NIMS Training, Resource Typing and Tracking, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Updates.
The NY Metro Infragard Members Alliance presents "Pandemic Preparedness: The Case for Public-Private Collaboration" to be held at NYU Hospitals Center at 550 First Avenue in Schwartz Lecture Hall F. This summit will bring together national, regional and local leadership from the private and public sectors to share perspectives and plans, and to discuss current gaps in health and resource management. Former US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy Thompson will introduce the conference.
The New York Disaster Counseling Coalition (NYDCC) is hosting the 2007 "Renewing Relationships" couples communication weekend program. It is free for first responders and their spouse/domestic partner.
Tuesday, April 17 - Friday, April 20
Friday, June 8 - Monday, June 11
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Mid-Year Meeting is for IAEM members, emergency management professionals, Congressional staffers and federal officials with a role in homeland security and emergency management. Sessions will include briefings from top DHS officials.
The Human Services Council of New York City, Inc. (HSC), a membership association representing the not-for-profit social service agencies throughout NYC, seeks a Coordinator, Preparedness and Response to facilitate disaster preparedness and response activities that enables the NYC human services sector to respond effectively to human needs created by major disaster.
The 9/11 Mental Health Programs, which includes The Family Assistance Center, Project Rescue and Recovery, and the Community Trauma Response Team, seeks an Administrative Assistant to manage the reception area including answering telephones, logs and data input, greeting and signing in clients and visitors, and other office duties.
The Humane Society of the US' (HSUS) National Disaster Animal Response Team (NDART) consists of animal care professionals, emergency services and rescue professionals. Team members are trained in community disaster response and preparedness as well as specialized response techniques for rescuing animals affected by disasters. To prepare yourself to help animals in a disaster, there are courses offered by FEMA and ARC.