Uncertainty Surrounds World Trade Center Health Program, Leaving 9/11 First Responders in Limbo

Supporters argue that numerous September 11 first responders are presently awaiting crucial treatment.

This follows budget and staffing reductions at the World Trade Center Health Initiative , which was set up to provide the necessary care for those survivors.

As of April, no one additional has been able to secure an appointment.

Every week, lawyer Michael Barasch assists around 100 first responders, workers, and residents suffering from 9/11-related ailments to join the federal initiative. However, he claims that this program has now been shut down.

"There should be no question; deaths will occur,” Barasch stated. “Since April, not a single new person has secured an appointment. No one new has passed certification.”

The government initiative was established to offer healthcare services to those affected by the September 11 attacks. Earlier this year, the Trump administration let go of many of its employees. .

"We have been registering them, but their applications aren’t being processed, so none of these individuals will be getting appointments, which are necessary for certification, needed to receive treatment," Barasch stated.

John Feal served as a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero and continues to be a strong supporter of 9/11 first responders.

Prior to us being halted, there was a backlog. This backlog has now turned into a Long Island Expressway traffic jam during peak hours," Feal stated. "The situation will worsen over time, leading to fatalities.

The status of the WTC Health Program administrator remains unclear.

Among the reductions in the program was administered by Dr. John Howard, who the White House pledged to restore.

In a statement, Congressman Andrew Garbarino declared, "All queries regarding Dr. Howard’s powers as an administrator have been addressed, as verified personally with Dr. Howard."

“But brought back to what? It’s akin to telling the captain of the Titanic that they get their ship back,” Barasch stated.

Barasch mentioned that he hasn't received any responses regarding when the applications will be processed, allowing patients to begin their treatments.

"As we lose someone, remember that telling this tale will bring pain to the 9/11 community,” Feal stated.

CBS News New York contacted the federal Health and Human Services Department, but received no immediate response.