Washington — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is advocating for the reappointment of Dr. John Howard as leader of the World Trade Center Health Program.
The program provides medical care for 140,000 responders and survivors of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Howard’s six-year term as program administrator is set to expire in November. He’s also the longtime director of NIOSH.
“From the earliest monitoring efforts following the attacks to the creation and growth of the World Trade Center Health Program, Dr. Howard has been a steady and effective leader,” the group of 27 legislators wrote in a July 9 letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“His tenure has helped ensure continuity of care; consistency in WTCHP administration; and confidence among program participants across the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville communities. As the WTCHP enters a new chapter with funding secured through 2040, maintaining experienced leadership is especially important.”
The program provides medical care for 140,000 responders and survivors of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
“Reappointing Dr. Howard would provide stability for program participants, providers, researchers and staff while reinforcing the federal government’s enduring commitment to those who continue to live with the health consequences of 9/11,” the lawmakers wrote.
