HHS plans to refill 9/11 health program staff after DOGE cuts
The agency told lawmakers it will rehire 37 employees to reach a total of 120 positions, aiming to clear a backlog of claims for survivors.
By Lucy Lefebvre ·
The Department of Health and Human Services informed lawmakers in April that the World Trade Center Health Program is approved to fully staff up to 120 total positions. This target requires the rehiring of 37 employees.
Federal staffing cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency previously hollowed out the program’s workforce, according to an earlier investigation. Critics say those cuts left a backlog of claims and forced 9/11 survivors to face delays in medical screenings and cancer treatments.
The program was originally created to help survivors battling serious health issues linked to the attacks. Advocates have questioned the pace of hiring since the cuts took effect.
The delay in staffing has drawn attention from those who rely on the program for care. The recent approval for additional positions marks a specific step toward resolving the staffing gap identified earlier this year.
HHS outlined the specific number of rehires needed to meet the 120-position cap. This figure provides a concrete benchmark for the program’s recovery from the reduction in federal staff.
Source: WSMV-TV
