UB’s Homish named to World Trade Center Health Program committee

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A University at Buffalo community health researcher has been named to a committee of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program.

Gregory Homish, PhD, associate professor and associate chair of community health and health behavior in UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, was named to the WTC Health Program’s Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).

The WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for health conditions for survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, and emergency personnel who responded to scenes in New York City and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as the Pentagon.

STAC panel members review scientific and medical evidence and offer recommendations to the WTC Health Program administrator on member eligibility criteria, as well as WTC-related health conditions.

The 17-person committee also reviews and evaluates the policies that are used to determine whether an addition should be made to the list of WTC-related health conditions. Committee members have expertise in epidemiology, toxicology and occupational medicine.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 established the STAC, and President Obama reauthorized the health program in December 2015, extending it for 75 years.

“I am incredibly honored to have been selected to serve on this committee,” said Homish, whose work examines how social and environmental factors influence changes in mental health and substance use over time.

“The committee’s work is of utmost importance because we want to ensure that policies, procedures and programs offered by the WTC Health Program are the most up to date for those involved with the response to the terrorist attacks,” Homish added.

The committee met in March, and will convene again June 2 in Manhattan.