The federal government announced a major grant today for the treatment of residents affected by the smoke and dust following the collapse of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The Centers for Disease Control announced the grant money today, saying there are no limits on how the money can be spent and who can benefit from the treatment.

In all, the CDC plans to award $30 million in grants to a total of three hospitals or clinics. The institutions will have to apply for the grants, which will be given in three installments of $10 million over three years.

The following statement was released today by the CDC:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced it is seeking proposals to provide access to health screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment for residents, students and other “non-emergency responders” impacted by the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center disaster. Under this grant program, the CDC expects to award up to $30 million over the next three years to help people whose health was, or may have been, adversely impacted by the World Trade Center attack, particularly by the dust and debris.

“These public health dollars extend the reach of our efforts so that they help support the provision of the health care services and treatment to residents, students, and others who were in the vicinity of the attacks of September 11, 2001,” said Christine Branche, acting director of CDC′s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). “These new funds will assist health care providers in serving and treating these people.”

The NIOSH-administered competitive grants provide up to $10 million per year for three years for health screenings and assessments, health monitoring and tracking and improved access to health care services. The grant money can also be used to help cover gaps when individuals′ public or private insurance is insufficient to fully cover the costs associated with care or treatment.

The CDC plans to provide funding to one to three organizations under this grant program. The deadline for proposal submission is August 25, 2008.

(YWN Desk – NYC)