HHS says 37 hires will restore 9/11 health program staffing
Federal officials confirm the World Trade Center Health Program will reach a full complement of 120 staff members after deep cuts by DOGE created treatment delays for survivors.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed in April that the World Trade Center Health Program has authorization to hire 37 new employees. This move brings the total approved staff count to 120 positions.
Federal staffing reductions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency significantly reduced the program's workforce earlier this year. Critics noted that these cuts resulted in a backlog of medical claims. Survivors reported longer wait times for essential screenings and cancer treatments.
Advocates have questioned the speed at which the program is filling these vacant roles. The April announcement to lawmakers outlined the plan to rehire the 37 staff members needed to reach full capacity.
The program provides medical care to individuals who were exposed to the 9/11 attacks. The staffing changes affect the pace at which these individuals can access necessary health services.
In a separate development, the number of employed school bus drivers in the United States decreased by nearly 10 percent between August 2019 and August 2025. The total count fell from 223,252 to 202,076.
Some parents in affected districts report that canceled or delayed bus routes are becoming more frequent. This trend is occurring as local school systems attempt to address the ongoing shortage of drivers.
