Community needs assessment of lower Manhattan residents following the World Trade Center attacks--Manhattan, New York City, 2001.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked and destroyed the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City (NYC). An estimated 2,819 persons were reported killed in the attacks; many others were injured (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene [NYCDOHMH], unpublished data, 2002). An estimated 25,000 persons living nearby in lower Manhattan were affected both physically and emotionally. Many persons witnessed the attacks; lost family and friends; were exposed to smoke, dust, and debris; and evacuated their homes. To identify the health-related needs and concerns of persons residing near the attack site, NYCDOHMH, in collaboration with CDC, surveyed persons residing in areas immediately surrounding the WTC site. The primary purpose of the survey was to gather information to set priorities and direct public health interventions. This report summarizes findings from the assessment, which indicate that a large proportion of respondents had physical and psychological symptoms potentially associated with the exposure and needed information to address their health and safety concerns. On the basis of the results of the survey, NYCDOHMH responded to resident concerns, helped reduce exposure to dust and debris, and provided information about mental health resources.