AFN reminds First Nations Rescue and Recovery Workers to heed important information

OTTAWA, May 27 /CNW Telbec/ - AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is reminding First Nations Ironworkers who participated in rescue or recovery operations at Ground Zero, following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, that they may be eligible for compensation.

Whether participants were paid workers or volunteers, they must register with the Red Cross, so that they can have access to travel and medical costs covered to New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital’s Ground Zero Program if their health is affected as a result of the time they spent at Ground Zero.

“We applaud our First Nations people who helped with rescue efforts and the clean up following the September 11 attacks,” said AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. “We understand a number of those who worked at Ground Zero could face impacts on their health. Now we must ensure they are well-cared for. If you know someone who was at Ground Zero, we ask that you make them aware of this important information.”

A number of First Nations Ironworkers went to the World Trade Center site as rescue workers on September 11, 2001. Others worked on contract there in the following weeks and months. The health of some rescue and recovery workers has been affected by the time they spent at Ground Zero.

The World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is accessible to people who volunteered or worked at Ground Zero for routine checkups to determine if there is any change in their health status, or for specialized tests, medications, and counseling.

Through funds donated to help people affected by September 11th, the Canadian Red Cross has been able to provide financial reimbursement to Ironworkers living in Canada so they can travel to appointments at Mount Sinai. The AFN wants to ensure all Ironworkers are aware of the program at Mount Sinai, and the Canadian Red Cross reimbursement. Ironworkers who have not already connected with the Canadian Red Cross should do so.

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications, (613)

292-1877, [email protected]