Community health assessment report, Dec 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

RESPONSE: Based on the findings in this report, the NYCDOH has developed a response to include the following elements: 1. OUTREACH: The NYCDOH is conducting Intensive outreach to neighborhoods in lower Manhattan to provide information and improve communication between residents and the City government. • Disseminate information to the community about findings from the needs assessment project and the progress of the response to the identified needs. • Increase NYCDOH’s presence at community activities and meetings. • Increase outreach to community organizations, by having NYCDOH representatives meet with key leaders. 2. 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. • Produce and distribute additional information regarding air quality and related health problems and recommended cleaning procedures. • Provide ongoing information related to the air test results and their implications. • Recommend use of air purifiers, HEPA vacuums and ongoing cleaning to improve indoor air quality and provide information regarding availability of air purifiers and HEPA vacuums. • Provide guidelines to residents and medical providers regarding ways to manage and treat health effects associated with the WTC site. • Continue to monitor environmental controls pursuant to the Commissioner’s order for dust control, such as wetting down debris from the WTC site and using tarps for dust reduction. • Ongoing communication with agencies overseeing the cleanup around the WTC site. • Continue assessing indoor air quality in a sample of residences and communicate information to the tenants of the apartments and buildings. 3, MENTAL HEALTH: The NYODMiH’s Project Liberty is providing outreach, crisis counseling and public education services to persons affected by the WTC disaster. • Broad education campaign targeted at both high-risk populations and the general public. • Outreach will be based on the expectation that those in need of services may not seek them on their own Initiative. • Individual and group counseling services will be made available to any individual needing assistance in returning to his or her pre-disaster level of functioning. • Services will take place in the natural environments of those affected. 4. RESOURCES: The NYCDOH will work with relief agencies to help inform residents about their eligibility for resources and services (e.g, FEMA, Red Cross). If you have questions about this report, or would like to learn more about the NYCDOH’s activities in lower Manhattan, contact Community HealthWorks at <212) 341-9811. All other inquiries, please call the NYCDOH call center at 1-877-NYCDOH-7.

Community Needs Assessment 11

NYC-WTC_000150504