Denise Harrison was working at Bellevue Hospital in New York City on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center attacks took place. The hospital had prepared for a large number of injured people and expected hundreds of patients to arrive. However, far fewer victims reached the hospital because many people inside and around the towers were killed by the fires and falling debris.
The September 11 attacks left a lasting impact on thousands of people. Rescue workers, firefighters, police officers, medical workers, cleanup crews, local residents, and others who worked near Ground Zero were exposed to dust, smoke, and dangerous materials released after the towers collapsed.
Over the years, many people who were exposed to the disaster have developed serious health problems. Some have suffered from respiratory diseases and cancers, while others have experienced mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Twenty-five years after the attacks, these health problems continue to affect survivors and responders. As many of those who worked at Ground Zero grow older, some are now developing new medical conditions or seeing existing problems become more serious.
Retirement can also create additional emotional challenges. People who spent years working and staying active may find that retirement gives them more time to think about their experiences. Important anniversaries, including September 11, can bring back painful memories and emotions connected to the attacks.
Jodi Streich, a mental health director at the World Trade Center Health Program in New Jersey, has pointed out that these emotional effects do not simply disappear after the anniversary. Memories and feelings connected to the tragedy can return even many years later.
The World Trade Center Health Program was created to provide medical monitoring and treatment to people affected by the September 11 disasters. The program supports rescue and recovery workers, cleanup crews, and people who lived or worked near the World Trade Center and other attack locations.
As of 2026, more than 154,000 people are enrolled in the program. Its funding is expected to continue through 2090, allowing affected people to receive medical care for many years.
The continuing work of the program shows that the effects of September 11 did not end when the attacks were over. For many survivors and responders, the physical and emotional consequences have lasted for decades.
Twenty-five years later, healthcare providers continue to support those affected by the tragedy. Their work remains important as an aging generation of responders and survivors faces new health challenges connected to one of the darkest moments in modern American history.