The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it can resume enrollment and certification for the World Trade Center Health Program, a significant development following a tumultuous period that left many cancer patients, including first responders, without access to necessary treatments.

As the nation reflects on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center Health Program plays a critical role in certifying illnesses that are linked to the terrorist attacks. This certification process is vital, as it confirms that specific conditions qualify for treatment and compensation under federal guidelines. After weeks of uncertainty regarding the program's administration, there is now a glimmer of hope for those affected.

Dr. John Howard, the appointed administrator of the program, has been at the center of the controversy. Following his layoff in February, which sparked public outrage, there were serious concerns about whether he had been officially reinstated. Although he was reportedly brought back due to widespread pushback, indications suggested that his authority to sign off on certifications was still in limbo, with reports of a hold on certifications as recently as Thursday morning.

However, an internal memo, which was obtained by ABC News, indicated a turning point when a senior official from the Health and Human Services Department declared, We are able to resume processing enrollments, certifications, and letters at this time. This reinstatement has been confirmed by Dr. David Prezant, the chief medical officer of the New York City Fire Department and director of its World Trade Center Health Program, who expressed relief at the news and the ability to treat new patients.

This development comes after federal orders that resulted in the layoff of 20% of the program's staff in April, amidst the turmoil of previous firings and reinstatements, including that of Dr. Howard. Representative Andrew Garbarino, a Republican from New York and a longstanding advocate for the program, welcomed the news and pledged to ensure that Dr. Howard's position is solidified. Any questions about Dr. Howard's authorities as Administrator have been resolved as confirmed directly with Dr. Howard himself," Garbarino noted in a statement to ABC News. He emphasized the urgency of addressing enrollments and certifications that had previously been left unresolved.

In his statement, Garbarino underscored the critical nature of ensuring timely care for 9/11 responders and survivors, stating, Let me be clear: anything that jeopardizes care for 9/11 responders and survivors is indefensible. This sentiment was echoed by Ben Chevat, executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, who attributed the prompt resolution to extensive media coverage and bipartisan advocacy. Im glad that the 9/11 responders who need cancer care are going to get their cancer care but they should never have been delayed, he remarked.

The resumption of the certification process signifies that the program can now begin reviewing and approving claims from those who have developed new health conditions related to the attacks on September 11, 2001. This certification is a crucial step; without it, many clinics had no choice but to postpone care for their most vulnerable patients. A spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reassured that the World Trade Center Health Programs Clinical Centers of Excellence and Nationwide Provider Network would continue to provide essential services during this time. The Program is accepting, reviewing, and processing new enrollment applications and certification requests, the spokesperson confirmed.

While the news of resumed certifications is a welcome development, advocates like Chevat remain cautious. Its good that certifications have resumed, but weve seen how quickly things can unravel, he warned, emphasizing the need for continued transparency and accountability to prevent future disruptions in care.

For now, clinics have been informed that newly processed certifications should be expected by May 5 at the latest. The staff and supporters of the program are feeling a sense of relief, but the uncertainty of the future continues to loom large over them.