November 7, 2017

In our efforts to promote the WTC Health Program, we were fortunate to partner with ESPN Radio to create several public service announcements leading up to the 16th Anniversary of 9/11. The PSAs broadcast the important work of VOICES in supporting victims' families and helping survivors and responders access medical and mental health treatment through the WTC Health Program.

A special thank you to ESPN's Michael Kay and Mike Greenberg for generously volunteering their time to help us get the word out! Take a listen here!

On October 21st, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program hosted its first ever Research to Care Community Engagement event at the NYU Langone Medical Center. The event began with remarks from Dr. John Howard, the WTC Health Program Administrator, and the daylong program provided an opportunity for responders and survivors to learn from leading researchers and clinicians about the latest developments in 9/11 health research. Participants also learned how to maintain good health when living with 9/11 related illnesses.

VOICES was honored to participate in the event along with our WTC Health Program outreach partners. Click here to watch a Facebook Live video of the morning session.

September was a busy month for us at VOICES! Although a somber time of year, the 16th Anniversary was an important time to gather together with the 9/11 community, including families, responders and survivors, as well as the dedicated professionals who have provided support and guidance over the past 16 years.

Once again thanks to the support of so many, our annual events proved to be a wonderful success with over 500 attendees. We have already begun planning for next year's annual events and look forward to your participation.

Click on the following links to view photos from our September 5 Golf Outing, September 9 Resiliency Symposium, and September 10 Information Forum!

On September 16, the 9/11 community gathered at the Wall of Remembrance at the Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, New York for an annual event sponsored by the FealGood Foundation. The names were read of the 156 first responders whose precious lives were lost this year due to 9/11-related illnesses. Sadly, it is estimated that more than 1,500 individuals have died due to their exposures. Our thanks to John Feal and all involved at the FealGood Foundation for honoring the memory of those brave men and women who have tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of 9/11.

Click here to learn more about the event and the Wall of Remembrance.

Every year, VOICES high school interns produce a short film based on their research and interviews conducted on topics related to 9/11. Notably, this years' interns were too young to have any memory of the attacks on September 11, but in their lifetime have witnessed other terrible acts of mass violence.

The students interviewed a wide range of individuals, including those who were affected by or responded to 9/11 and the shootings in Newtown, Columbine, and Aurora. Their interviews were conducted with the goal of capturing the spirit of strength, hope and resiliency that persists after tragedy.

We are excited to share this year's production, Resiliency - Stories of Strength, which was presented at the local library, high school assembly commemorating the anniversary, and at our Resiliency Symposium on September 9.

Click here to watch the video. More information about the VOICES Internship Program is available here.

Recognizing the impact that the recent tragedies in Las Vegas, New York City and Texas have on our membership, VOICES is here to offer help to anyone who may need support. Following devastating events like these, even those who have not been directly affected may experience a range of emotions and it is important to have a support system in place.

VOICES has hosted several peer-to-peer teleconference support groups following the recent attacks. Our next teleconference group will be held on Thursday, November 9 from 3pm to 4pm. The groups are facilitated by our staff. Space is limited, and additional groups will be scheduled as needed. If you are interested in participating, contact Bonnie Rumilly at brumilly@voicesofsept11.org.

As always, feel free to contact our office at 203-966-3911 if we can be of any assistance.