HEALTH CARE PAGE

FDNY FDNY - WTC Health Program Wellness and Research Updates (6/1/22)

Please be advised starting June 1, 2022 we are no longer using OptumRx. Our new Pharmacy Benefit Manager is Express Scripts. All WTC-related prescriptions with refills at OptumRx were transferred to Express Scripts, but will NOT refill automatically. To refill your medications you MUST CALL Express Scripts at 800-935-7179 or you can refill online using the member portal at [express-scripts.com]express-scripts.com. Have your WTC Health Program Prescription ID card with you when ordering as you will need you ID number. Remember to order refills 1-2 weeks before running out of your medication. Similarly, if you are receiving specialty medications from Optum Specialty Pharmacy/BriovaRx Specialty Pharmacy, you must now instead use Accredo Specialty by calling 855-540-1780 or going online at [accredo.com]accredo.com. New WTC Health Program Prescription ID cards were mailed out to every member with at least one certified WTC-related condition. Make sure to use your new WTC Health Program Prescription ID card when you need to fill a WTC-related prescription at your local pharmacy. See below for an example of your new WTC Health Program Prescription ID card. Please call the FDNY WTC Health and Wellness Program at 718-999-1937 or email [wtcprescriptions@fdny.nyc.gov]wtcprescriptions@fdny.nyc.gov with any WTC-related prescription issues

FIREFIGHTERS WITH PARKINSON'S

My name is Peter Melly and I have been a NYC firefighter for the past 35 years (1983-2018). It is now known that not only is smoke absorbed through the respiratory system, but also absorbed through the skin. The cumulative effects of by-products of fire combustion have had devastating effects on us long timers

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 5 years ago and had a rather progressive course. I have no known family history of Parkinson"s Disease, even in a family of significant longevity. Last year i had deep brain stimulation (DBS) which involves putting electrodes in your brain controlled by two battery packs implanted in your chest. This was needed to control my left hand tremor, also helps with body stiffness and loss of balance. My other symptoms include constipation, speech difficulties, trouble with writing, and a lack of facial expression.

The standard of care for Parkinson's Disease in the year 2021 is now DBS and medication. My doctor has told me that I will never be off medication but the DBS has cut my medication in half.

Previous studies have found that firefighters have a tenfold higher prevalence of Parkinson's Disease than the general population. NETPR (Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson's Research) reveals that genetic transmission is a minor component of the development of Parkinson's Disease. This confirms the significance of environmental factors such as exposure to toxins.

Since firefighting is a high-risk profession of chronic, significant chemical toxic exposure, so far, Indiana has recognized Parkinson's Disease as a line of duty disability and Massachusetts is pursuing this protective legislative.

What we need in the York City Fire Department, is a web page dedicated to "New York City Firefighters with Parkinson's Disease". Someplace a firefighter's can go and put his name

on record so we can be counted. One firehouse I was assigned to had 3 firefighters diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. How many other firefighters are now suffering in silence? How many other firefighters have been diagnosed after they leave the job or spent time spent at Ground Zero?

We have to do something now!

Respectfully Submitted,

Retired BC Peter Melly

516-819-2364

HEALTH CARE PAGE, MORE LINKS:

WTC HEALTH CANCER PROGRAM:

For a member receiving a Cancer Diagnosis and having biopsy and pathology results, FDNY WTC member should contact Nadia Jaber at 718 999-1223-Nadia is a longtime FDNY WTC Health Program staff member and Physician's Assistant. The main FDNY WTC Cancer Care phone number is 718 999-7040.
{Updated Cancer Info: Currently there are 1,530 unique FDNY Members with at least one WTC Cancer certification. Some members have more than one}

CLICK HERE FOR CANCER SCREENING TEST

OUR LATEST VERY IMPORTANT LINKS:

FIREFIGHTERS WITH ASBESTOS EXPOSURE PROBLEMS:

https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-exposure-firefighters/

OUR NEWEST LINK DEALING WITH MESOTHELIOMA:

https://www.mesotheliomahub.com/mesothelioma/risk-factors/firefighters-and-mesothelioma/

HERE'S ONE DEALING WITH ASBESTOS:

ASBESTOS.COM

OUR LATEST LINK FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS DEALING WITH ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH

WTC HEALTH CARE LINK

FREE CARDIO TESTING:

WTC De-Stressing (Due to COVID- All programs are on hold)
There is a new program for both active and retired members with health concerns related to the World Trade Center.
It is called:
Mindfulness Techniques for Relaxation,
Chronic Pain and Mood Mgmt Program.
It is offered at Fort Totten every Friday commencing on 10/7/11,
from 10:00-11:30am at the Counseling Service Bldg.
For more information Contact Maureen Healy at
(212) 570-1693 ext: 312
or Send E-Mail: healymfdny.nyc.gov

VICTIM'S COMPENSATION FUND LINKS:

www.vcf.gov
http://zadroga-act.com

On July 29, 2019, the President signed into law The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The VCF Permanent Authorization Act extends the VCF’s claim filing deadline from December 18, 2020, to October 1, 2090, and appropriates such funds as may be necessary to pay all approved claims. The VCF recognizes that claimants will have many questions about the impact of the legislation on their claims. The VCF is committed to processing claims without interruption and issuing full payments to those who received a reduced award. Additional details about the VCF Permanent Authorization Act can be found here. Please check this website frequently for updates.

FDNY COUNSELING SERVICES:

MANHATTAN: 251 LAFAYETTE ST. 3RD FLOOR
NYC, NY 10012
(212) 570-1693 [answered 24/7]
4th floor: (212) 925-6671

STATEN ISLAND:

1688 VICTORY BLVD, SUITE 101A
SI, NY 10314
(718) 815-4111

QUEENS: FORT TOTTEN, BLDG-413B
BAYSIDE, NY 11359
(718) 352-2140

UPSTATE NY-ORANGE,PUTNAM and

ROCKLAND COUNTIES:
2279 GOSHEN TPKE
MIDDLETOWN, NY 10941
(845) 695-1029

LONG ISLAND (SUFFOLK COUNTY):
SUFFOLK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1001 Crooked Hill Road-Center Cottage
Brentwood, NY 11717
(631) 851-6888
For more information go to:
The Counseling Unit of The FDNY

COUNSELING UNIT
STAY CONNECTED
BREAKFAST SCHEDULE

[Due to COVID the Breakfast Schedule is suspended]
Fort Totten CSU:

Bldg 413B Bayside, NY 11361

(718) 352-2140
meets the 3rd Friday of every month
Meetings begin at 10:00am
~
Long Island:

South Farmingdale Firehouse:

819 South Main St. Farmingdale-

2nd Tuesday of the month at 9am.

Staten Island:
1688 Victory Blvd Suite 101 SI., NY

(718) 815-4111
Meets the last Tuesday of every month ,

the location for the breakfast is

Jimmy Max Restaurant

280 Watchoque Rd. SI, NY
~
Middletown CSU:
2279 Goshen Tpke. (845) 695-1029
meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Meetings begin at 9:00am

MISCELANEOUS HEALTH CARE LINKS:

CT Scans Reduce Lung Cancer Deaths (AARP Health Care Page)
(click and read)

Our Newest Link:
National Cancer Research Fund

Featured Link:
MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTONS

WORLD TRADE CENTER
MEDICAL MONITORING PROGRAM
wtcmed@fdny.nyc.gov
(718) 999-1858

STATEN ISLAND HEART IMAGING PC
(State of the Art Nuclear&Echo Stress Testing Facility)
Priority Appointments for UFA&UFOA Members
1497 Richmond Road SI, NY 10306
(718) 351-0500

TOP TEN MEDICAL TESTS YOU SHOULD GET
(click on this link to find out the Top 10 Tests)

VASCULAR DIAGNOSTIC
www.vasculardiagnostic.com
(718) 886-0600

INFORMATION ABOUT 9-11 HEALTH EFFECTS AND SERVICES
go to: nyc.gov/9-11HealthInfo

Therapeutic Yoga for Healthy Living
located in Manhattan and Staten Island
Call Jessica Metz at (212) 570-1693 ex: 380
metzj@fdny.nyc.gov

Retired Member's Association,
Fire Dept.City of NY

CALL ADRIENNE ADAMS!