There are numerous resources available to help individuals and families cope with the events of September 11, whether it's financial assistance, air quality testing or counseling.

Mental Health

Physical Health

Basic Needs

Air Quality

Mental Health Resources

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, several months after the attacks, many New Yorkers continued to report suffering from depression and post-tramatic stress associated with September 11.  Numerous organizations are available to help, including the following mental health services:

• The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies provides research and information about traumatic stress.
• National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on a number of mental health surveys being conducted by the NIMH that will provide a snapshot of mental health in the U.S. before and after September 11, 2001. The site also includes information about mental disorders related to stress and trauma.
• Project Liberty is an ongoing disaster-recovery initiative created by the New York State Office of Mental Health to provide free, immediate mental health counseling, education, and referral services to people affected by the World Trade Center disaster.
• The PTSD Alliance is an alliance of organizations concerned with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The Sidran Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to research, advocacy, and education to help people who have experienced trauma.
• Therapist Finder offers help to people seeking specific types of therapists in their area.

Mental Health Hotlines

• For a referral to a psychologist in your area, call the American Psychological Association HelpCenter at 1-800-964-2000. The operator will use your zip code to locate and connect you with the referral system in your area.
• The American Red Cross 1-866-GET-INFO (866-438-4636) is a toll-free national information, compassion, and support hotline established in response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Translation services and TDD lines for the hearing impaired are part of the new system (800-526-1417 TDD).
• Mental Health Association of New York City [1-800-LifeNet (1-800-543-3638); LifeNet/Spanish (1-877-298-3373); LifeNet/Asian (1-212-254-2731)] is a 24-hour mental health counseling, information, and referral line to assist those who are experiencing emotional distress.
• National Anxiety Disorder Screening Project (1-888-442-2022) offers free screenings year-round for depression and anxiety disorders at more than 1,200 clinics across the United States. Call for a site near you.
• Safe Horizon [1-866-689-HELP (4357)] is a 24-hour September 11 support hotline for anyone who needs help recovering from general distress, grief, or the loss of a loved one.
• September 11th Support Hotline [1-866-689-HELP (4357)] provides information on available resources, crisis counseling, and financial assistance. Operators also provide assistance in English, Spanish (1-877-AYUDESE) and Chinese (1-877-990-8585).

Many people living, working, volunteering, or visiting Lower Manhattan have been concerned about the short-term and long-term health risks in the aftermath of the attacks.  The following links provide resources regarding your personal health.

• For information on the health registry for people who may have been exposed to substances emanating from the collapse of the World Trade Center, e-mail the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or call 1-888-422-8737.
• For additional information about the potential long-term effects on workers' health, e-mail the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
• For general public health information and information relating to September 11, e-mail the New York Department of Health.
• For Medicare, Medicaid, and other eligible beneficiaries living in Lower Manhattan who are having trouble getting their usual health care and social services for daily living needs, please call the Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health Plus 24-hour Emergency Hotline at 1-800-331-7767 (translators available). Parents enrolled in Child Health Plus can also call this hotline for questions about their health care needs.
• For information and registration for The World Trade Center Worker & Volunteer Medical Screen Program, please call the WTC Medical Screening Hotline at 1-888-702-0630.

Basic Needs

Individuals or families having trouble meeting basic needs due to the events of September 11 should consult the following organizations for assistance:

Safe Horizon Center: Since 1979, Safe Horizon has operated Community Programs in New York City to support, educate, and advocate for victims of crime and abuse. Currently Safe Horizon has six Community Programs throughout the five boroughs serving more than 4,000 individuals each year. Safe Horizon's Community Programs offer the following services: Crisis Intervention, Case Management, Practical/Emergency Assistance, Information and Referrals, Individual Counseling, Support Groups, Advocacy, and Community/Public Education Presentations. Please visit http://www.safehorizon.org/page.php?page=wherehelp for contact information to obtain assistance.

Air Quality Information

Air Conditioner/Air Purifier/HEPA Filter Vacuum Reimbursement-New York City residents in all five boroughs may be eligible for up to $1550 reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for air purifiers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, and the repair or replacement of air conditioners. Register with FEMA at 800-462-9029 or 800-621-3362. For more information visit the FEMA website or the New York State IFG website.

For reimbursement on an older air conditioner, call The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) at 1-877-NYSMART.

Air Quality Information- For information and answers to questions on environmental conditions in Lower Manhattan, please call the Lower Manhattan Air Quality Hotline at (212) 221-8635 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

* Resources information provided by http://www.LowerManhattan.info.