The New Jersey House of Representatives held a significant meeting on May 16, 2024, focusing on the ongoing health impacts faced by World Trade Center responders. Dr. Iris Utterson, lead physician and director of the clinical center at Rutgers University, provided a poignant testimony regarding the long-term health consequences of the September 11 attacks.

Dr. Utterson highlighted that many cancers related to the exposure from the attacks can take 20 to 30 years to develop. She reported a troubling trend of new diagnoses among responders, with 80 to 90 new cases identified each month. These include not only various forms of cancer but also mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, exacerbated by subsequent traumatic events in New Jersey.

She shared personal stories of patients, including a police officer who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023 and a firefighter who succumbed to head and neck cancer. These cases illustrate the ongoing health crisis stemming from the attacks, affecting not only the responders but also their families, who face the loss of both loved ones and financial support.

Dr. Utterson's testimony underscored the urgent need for continued support and resources for those impacted by the events of 9/11, emphasizing that the repercussions of that day are far from over. The meeting served as a reminder of the lasting legacy of the attacks and the importance of addressing the health needs of those who served.