In the aftermath of the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, rescue workers siphoned into Ground Zero to help during a time of crisis, putting their health secondary to the needs of others.

A year after the Zadroga Act, which assists 9/11 rescue workers with related health issues, was passed and 10 years after September 11, rescue workers who labored at the World Trade Center site will now be able to receive healthcare for their illnesses in their own neighborhood.

Stony Brook University officially opened a satellite facility at Winthrop-University Hospital’s Garden City Wellness Pavilion for its World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Friday morning. Stemming from Stony Brook’s already established program in Islandia, the Winthrop location has been operating and serving Nassau County since November 2011.

“Almost immediately, thousands of Americans responded to aid in the rescue and recovery,” said Dr. Benjamin Luft, director of the Stony Brook University World Trade Center Health Program, about the rescue response after September 11. “Amidst all of the human carnage, the fire, the dust and toxic fumes – the responders labored for months on end.”

The program will serve as an outlet for patients to gain the care they need for illnesses they sustained as a result of 9/11. Patients will have two large university hospitals at their disposal for care and treatment, Luft added.

Currently, the WTC Health Program follows 6,000 responders throughout Long Island and provides care to about 3,000.

“Their diseases are complex, they continue to evolve and expand,” said Luft, noting that this program will now enable responders to receive complex services in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Terrence Meaney, a former Emergency Service police officer for the Port Authority Police Department, logged approximately 2,500 hours at Ground Zero working on the recovery effort. He now suffers from asthma, sinusitis, acid reflux, sleep apnea and posttraumatic stress disorder.

“On behalf of all of the people suffering from long-term health effects from this unthinkable tragedy, I say thank you,” said Meaney in regards to the WTC Health Program.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, and Congressman Peter King, R-Seaford, who both played a key role in getting the Zadroga Act through Congress, were present for the opening of the center. They were joined by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, D-Mineola, Congressman Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, and New York State Sen. Jack Martins, R-Mineola.

Senator Gillibrand said that Winthrop “is an extraordinary example of what’s possible” and the new satellite WTC Health Program location will make “such a difference for the families that live on Long Island.”

“Knowing that it is a community-based hospital is going to make a difference in their treatment and their care,” she said. “I think the terror and fear that goes through the hearts and minds of so many first responders when they are first diagnosed with an illness - as grave as some of the illnesses these men and women are suffering through - to know that they can have care right here will take an enormous weight off of their shoulders.”

“It is a lot easier when your doctors and your care is in your neighborhood,” McCarthy added. “Even in bad weather you’ll be able to get here.”