March 7, 2006
It's been nearly five years since 9/11, but a series of events this week will remind New Yorkers that help is still available.

World Trade Center Health Week, which began Monday, offers an overview of the services available.

"We want to reach out to those who have accessed services but need more or people who have never accessed services at all but who need help," said Lisa Orloff, the executive director of the World Cares Center, which is sponsoring the event. It was founded after 9/11 to counsel recovery workers.

With growing concerns about the long-term health effects of the Twin Towers collapse, observers say that 9/11 may yet claim more victims.

The long-term health effects of 9/11 "is one of the most relevant issues for specifically those that lived downtown after 9/11 or were part of the recovery effort," Orloff said.

Highlights of the week include presentations by the Mt. Sinai Hospital staff on the monitoring program that watches for long-term 9/11 health effects, treatment options presented by Bellevue Hospital staff, and a Sierra Club presentation on the health hazards of the Ground Zero cleanup.

All events are free. For more information go to worldcares.org.