The eighth anniversary of 9/11’s shock and horror is this Friday, but recent news hasn’t been about that day’s real legacy, merely about trumped-up reactions to Van Jones’s signature on a 9/11 petition. What the news is ignoring—unsurprisingly but shamefully nonetheless—is what has happened to the heroes of 9/11 who answered the call to action at the World Trade Center to aid in recovery efforts.

These 50,000 9/11 responders feel betrayed as more of them die from 9/11-related injuries and illnesses. They lack needed health coverage and care, and their financial security is ruined. More than 800 World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers have died since 9/11, with cancer as a leading cause.

9/11 responders suffer respiratory and emotional problems, as well, yet 90% of them don’t receive proper medical care, because they lack adequate coverage. The financial results are devastating. Though mounting evidence reveals exposure to unsafe conditions, these heroes are denied benefits.

9/11 responders are at high risk of bankruptcies and foreclosures, as are all Americans—even the insured—when they face a health crisis.

“Once we are unable to work, we lose our health care and so does our family thus placing us into catastrophically financial ruin which no one can return from,” says Reggie Cervantes, a 9/11 responder featured in Michael Moore’s film, SiCKO.

The best way to meet the 9/11 responders’ needs—and those of all Americans—is to implement improved and expanded Medicare for All.

Make this 9/11 the day to speak out for 9/11’s heroes and single-payer healthcare reform. Call your representative and say:

• Support Congressman Weiner’s single-payer amendment.
• Keep Congressman Kucinich’s state single-payer amendment in HR 3200.

Join PDA’s Healthcare for All/Single Payer conference call on September 15, to stay up to date on the legislation and the single-payer movement.

In solidarity and hope,

Roberta McNair, Healthcare for All IOT Coordinator
Tim Carpenter, National Director
Laura Bonham, Deputy Director, Communications Coordinator
Conor Boylan, National Field Coordinator

Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal in 2009: Work with and increase the progressive majority in Congress as we build on our 2008 electoral successes. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood.

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