Councilman David G. Greenfield is urging all 9/11 first responders and survivors, including local Hatzolah and Shomrim volunteer members, to register for the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) before the rapidly approaching deadline on October 3rd. The VCF is part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and is open to injured and ill 9/11 first-responders and survivors from the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shankesville crash sites and to surviving family members of those who died due to the attacks. However, anyone seeking VCF compensation must register by the deadline, even if they are already receiving benefits through the separate World Trade Center Health Program. Councilman Greenfield is now reminding all local residents, first-responders, safety patrol volunteers and anyone else whose health was impacted by the terror attacks to visit www.vcf.gov as soon as possible to find out if they are eligible and to enroll in the program, which provides compensation for a multitude of health issues.

“We will never forget the horror of that day, or the heroic response by so many New Yorkers over the following hours, days and weeks, including our great local volunteers. Anyone who risked their health to help rescue others deserves nothing less that this city and nation’s full support, including compensation through the Zadroga Act. We cannot thank these brave and heroic individuals enough, and must do everything possible to make sure every eligible New Yorker registers before the upcoming October 3 deadline,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Hatzloah Volunteer Ambulance played a key role in the overwhelming response to the 9/11 attacks, responding to the scene with over 35 ambulances, 250 emergency medical technicians and 55 paramedics. In fact, the first ambulance to arrive at the scene after the first plane hit the North Tower was a Hatzolah ambulance. While no volunteer members were seriously injured at the scene, there unfortunately is no telling what health impacts they carry with them 12 years later or will face in the coming years.

Because you cannot sign up for the VCF after the deadline, anyone who responded to the attacks or was exposed to toxins and believes their health has been impacted as a result is urged to register before the deadline, even if they have yet to experience actual illness or symptoms. Registering now simply preserves your right to file a claim in the future, before the fund ends in 2016, and does not commit you to filing a future claim should the need not arise. Again, you must register by the October 3rd deadline to preserve your right to file a claim for compensation in the future should you become ill in the coming years.

To reiterate, this is separate from the World Trade Center Health Program, which has provided free medical exams, treatment and medication to tens of thousands of people who lived or worked in lower Manhattan or Brooklyn in the year following 9/11. The Victims Compensation Fund provides actual payment to compensate those first responders and victims who have had health issues. A list of health issues that are presumed to be caused by 9/11 for first responders and victims include:

· Interstitial lung diseases
· Chronic Respiratory Disorder – Fumes/Vapors
· Asthma
· Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
· WTC-exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
· Chronic Cough Syndrome
· Upper airway hyper-reactivity
· Chronic rhinosinusitis
· Chronic nasopharyngitis
· Chronic laryngitis
· Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)
· Sleep apnea exacerbated by or related to the above conditions.
· Low back pain
· Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
· Certain other musculoskeletal disorders defined as “a chronic or recurrent disorder of the musculoskeletal system caused by heavy lifting or repetitive strain on the joints or musculoskeletal system occurring during” the period between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 or as determined by the Special Master
· Traumatic injuries
· Certain types of cancer

For more information about the Victim Compensation Fund, including eligibility, visit www.vcf.gov or contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)