Reinstatement of World Trade Center Health Program leader sparks mixed reactions
Dr. John Howard is to return to his position as WTCHP administrator, but advocates want assurances that his reinstatement will be permanent.
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After months of uncertainty, the head of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) may finally be returning to his post.
Dr. John Howard, the head of the program, may soon return to his post, following his ousting and the firing of 16 other staff members earlier this year.
As News 12 previously reported, the firings were part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to downsize the federal workforce, which had a significant impact on the health care services these first responders depend on.
"We're just asking to be treated for illnesses that we got from going to work," says Glenn Tarquinio, a 9/11 first responder.
As previously reported by News 12, the removal of Dr. Howard and his colleagues led to immediate concerns among advocates and first responders.
The WTCHP plays a vital role in the health and well-being of over 137,000 individuals who developed serious health issues due to their time at or near ground zero.
John Feal, a prominent advocate for 9/11 responders, said that the firing of Dr. Howard disrupted care for many in the program.
"It started to the point where people could not get the treatment they seek," he said.
Representatives Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, and others released a joint statement praising Dr. Howards return.
“After extensive conversations with the Administration, HHS has said that it is reinstating all 15 WTCHP workers and that Dr. Howard is fully empowered as program Administrator. While we appreciate this development, their employment should have never been in question. We remain in constant contact with advocates to ensure the program remains fully functional in service to our 9/11 responders and survivors, and we stand ready to take immediate and decisive action at the first sign that this is not the case."
For some like Feal, the situation is still far from resolved.
“It’s a step in the right direction, but I wouldn’t call this a complete victory. We still have questions. We still have concerns,” said Feal. "Follow through with your slogan and make America great again by helping these heroes and these survivors in the program.”
Many first responders are demanding assurances that Dr. Howard’s return is permanent and that the program will fully resume its critical work without further disruptions.
Advocates for 9/11 first responders expressed skepticism, and pushed for assurances that Dr. Howard and others' returns will be permanent.
“[If] things are going the way they should go, then I’ll have hope that the program is up and running again,” he said.
The White House and the Department of Health and Human Services have yet to confirm to News 12 if Dr. Howard’s return is permanent.
HHS would not confirm whether his reinstatement was permanent, but sent News 12 a statement from Dr. Howard, saying, “We appreciate the department’s swift action to address these notices and return critical program staff to work, we’re ready to serve the more than 133,000 responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks who are served by this program.”
First responders will be returning to Washington, D.C. next week to continue their advocacy for the program.
