About the Registry
Enrollment in the WTC Health Registry was voluntary for people who lived, worked or went to school in the area of the WTC disaster, or were involved in rescue and recovery efforts. To enroll, people completed a confidential baseline health survey 
in 2003 or 2004. Each enrollee answered a series of questions about where they were on 9/11, their experiences and their health. This initial data allowed health professionals to compare the health of those directly exposed to the WTC disaster to the health of the general population. No blood tests or medical exams were required to enroll.
In November 2006, the Registry launched its first follow-up survey for adult enrollees . In June 2007, the Registry began its first follow-up survey for child enrollees . With the results of these surveys, the Registry has become the largest registry to track the health effects of a disaster in American history. The child survey will remain open until August 31, 2008.
The results of the first follow-up survey will help determine to what extent physical and mental health conditions have persisted, and whether any new symptoms and conditions have emerged. An important goal of this survey is to identify and help address gaps in physical and mental health treatment. Preliminary results of the first follow-up survey will be released in 2008, and will be posted under Findings.
Registry findings will be shared with:
- Enrollees and the public to help those affected by
the attacks make informed decisions about their health.
- Health professionals who are conducting studies about
people affected by 9/11.
- Doctors and other medical providers who may treat people affected by 9/11.
In addition to completing Registry surveys, more than 90% of enrollees say they would be interested in participating in studies on the health effects of 9/11 conducted by external researchers. Recent studies included how the evacuation of the buildings occurred, psychological responses to the disaster and the mental health needs of children of first responders.
