9/11 Health Program Faces Staffing Delays Despite Rehiring Plan
Critics argue that federal cuts have slowed medical screenings, even as the Department of Health and Human Services approves the return of 37 employees.
By Ricardo Brooks ·
The federal World Trade Center Health Program, designed to treat survivors of the September 11 attacks, is facing criticism over slow hiring progress and lingering backlogs in medical care. Advocates point to federal staffing reductions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, as the primary cause of the current delays.
Last year, reports indicated that DOGE-led cuts reduced the program's workforce, leading to a buildup of unprocessed claims. Survivors have reported waiting longer for essential cancer screenings and other medical treatments. These delays have raised concerns among those relying on the program for ongoing health support related to their exposure on September 11.
The Department of Health and Human Services told lawmakers in April that the program has received approval to fill up to 120 positions. This plan involves rehiring 37 employees who were previously let go. However, critics say the pace of this rehiring process remains too slow to clear the existing backlog of patients.
Separately, environmental concerns are rising regarding the Mississippi River Delta, which spans approximately 2.7 million acres. The region contains the largest area of brackish marsh in North America and supports diverse wildlife and fish populations. Despite its ecological importance, the Louisiana coast is eroding and sinking at a rapid rate, threatening the habitats that depend on it.
In the education sector, the shortage of school bus drivers in the United States continues to affect students. The number of employed drivers dropped from 223,252 in August 2019 to 202,076 in August 2025. This decline represents a nearly 10 percent decrease over six years. Many parents report that these shortages are causing frequent cancellations or delays in bus routes.
Meanwhile, students at Winneconne Middle School are participating in a community outreach project. Seventh graders in Susan Meunier's leadership class are painting portraits of local pets. These artworks are intended to help animals find new homes through adoption events in the community.
Source: WXIX-TV
