NYC DOH community needs assessment of Lower Manhattan, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

KEY FINDINGS

• About 50% of those surveyed continued to experience physical symptoms likely to be related to the attack on the WTC, such as nose, throat and eye irritations. These symptoms are consistent with what one would expect from the on-going exposure to smoke released from the fires burning at the WTC site.

• Mar.y residents of lower Manhattan have on-going concerns about the air quality and its potential effect on health.

• Many residents need further information and assistance regarding proper household cleaning procedures for the dust and debris from the WTC site.

• Almost 40% of those interviewed reported symptoms suggestive of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P1SD), indicating a potential for thousands of people in lower Manhattan who cculd benefit tiom supportive counseling.

• Less than a third of those interviewed have received any supportive counseling, and of those at high risk for PTSD, about 40% have received supportive counseling.

• Many residents do not have access to or are not aware of the availability of mental health services.

RESPONSE

Based on the findings from this assessment, the NYCDOH has developed a response to include the following elements;

• OUTREACH: The NYCDOH Is conducting intensive outreach to neighborhoods in lower Manhattan to provide information and Improve communication between residents and the City government. • air QUALITY: The NYCDOH is providing ongoing information and recommendations to the community regarding the health effects of exposure to the dust, debris and smoke from the WTC site, including proper cleaning methods and ways to improve indoor air quality. • MENTAL HEALTH: The NYC Department of Mental Health’s Project Liberty is providing outreach, crisis counseling and public education services to persons affected by the WTC ''master.

If you have any questions about this project, or would like a copy of the full report, contact Community HealthWorks at (212) 341-9811. Ail other inquiries, please call the NYCDOH call center at 1-877-NYCDOH-7.

NYCDOH Community Needs Assessment - December 2001 2

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