Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) vs. Initial VCF
How does the current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) differ from the initial VCF closed in 2004? The first iteration of the VCF was the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, administered by Special Master Kenneth Feinberg. This version of the VCF closed in 2004. It had the advantage of being backed by the entire U.S. Treasury. […]
First Appeals on Victim Compensation Fund Are Heard
Beginning in January, 2014, Special Master Sheila Birnbaum and the Deputy Special Master presided over the first Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) appeals hearings held in New York City. The specially trained and recruited Hearing Officers joined them, conducting both in-person and telephone conference hearings. According to the VCF press release, those overseeing the hearings have […]
Hard on the Heart: 9/11 and Cardiovascular Disease
The events of September 11, 2001, broke the heart of America. The injury and pain of that day remain with us still. A recent study supports a link between the events of 9/11, post-traumatic stress and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. From witnessing or participating in a frightening or dangerous event, many people suffer entrenched […]
New WTC Health Program Research Recommendations
The Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) plays an important role in driving research and recommendations for the WTC Health Program (WTCHP). The group recently prioritized research aims for this year. Established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, the advisory committee is made up of those with a helpful and […]
VCF Appeals Hearings Underway in New York
In January of this year, the first September 11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) appeal hearings were held in New York City. Rulings on claims and appeals hearings are finally underway. For victims of 9/11, the wait for compensation has been trying. After filing a claim and required documentation, many victims have waited years for their […]
WTC Health Registry: What Is It?
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry tracks the health of more than 71,000 people exposed to the WTC terrorist attacks. What are the goals of the registry and what have we learned so far? Patient registries are databases that follow the health of a defined group of patients over time. Registries help healthcare providers, […]
World Trade Center Health Program: Just the Facts
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides assessment, monitoring and treatment services to eligible emergency responders and others who were injured and exposed to toxic chemicals during and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Last December, the WTCHP released updated statistics about the services it provides to members enrolled in the program. The […]
Healthcare for WTC Survivors Outside of New York
Where can you go for healthcare and monitoring if you are a WTC survivor and do not live in New York? More than 65,000 members were enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) as of December, 2013. Although most members reside in the New York City area, 6,479 members live elsewhere. The Nationwide […]
New Cancers Added to World Trade Center Health Conditions
In February of this year, four cancers were proposed for addition to conditions treated by the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. In the past, the administrator of the WTC Health Program has added to the list of health conditions known to be associated with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. […]
The VCF: Who Is in Charge?
The September 11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide compensation to people injured and killed because of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. By law, operation of the VCF requires a Special Master to administer the fund. In 2011, Sheila Birnbaum was appointed by United States Attorney General Eric Holder […]
