Gillibrand, Firefighters Celebrate Big Wins For FDNY And First Responders IN FY2026 Funding Package

Gillibrand, Firefighters Celebrate Big Wins For FDNY And First Responders IN FY2026 Funding Package

Feb 10, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a media availability to celebrate the $632,000 in federal funding she secured for Friends of Firefighters for its FDNY mental health and wellness programming, along with the full funding of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package that passed into law earlier this week.

"The World Trade Center Health Program and Friends of Firefighters are two programs that honor our promise to the brave men and women who protect our communities," said Senator Gillibrand. "I was proud to work across the aisle to secure funding for these critical programs, which support the physical and emotional well-being of first responders. Ensuring that 9/11 responders and survivors have the resources they need to address the long-term health impacts of toxic exposure has been a top priority throughout my time in Congress. Investments like these reaffirm Congress's commitment to providing comprehensive physical and mental health care for first responders, not just in moments of crisis, but for life."

"Friends of Firefighters has been an amazing resource to countless New York City Firefighter's and their families. In the aftermath of 9/11, when many of our members felt they had no one to turn to, Friends of Firefighters was there to offer their support, and the support has been unwavering all these years. When Senator Gillibrand's office approached us about the desire to fund community based mental health and support services, we were happy to make the connection. We are overwhelmed with the support that Senator Gillibrand has provided to them as they continue their mission," said Andy Ansbro, President, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York.

"We would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for this important funding for Friends of Firefighters. Firefighters face specific challenges in their lives and careers. Friends of Firefighters provides vital services to make sure those challenges can be faced head on. We would also be remiss if we did not also thank Senator Gillibrand for her work in securing funding for 9/11 Health Watch. The UFOA has fought alongside Senator Gillibrand, Minority Leader Schumer, and the entire New York delegation in making sure healthcare can be provided for those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses. Make no mistake: Our members will be healthier and live longer with this funding passed this week with the leadership of Senator Gillibrand," said James Brosi, President, Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854.

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her $632,000 commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of FDNY firefighters and their families, and to UFA President Andy Ansbro for his steadfast partnership in securing this critical support. Firefighter mental health is not optional-it is public safety. For nearly 25 years, Friends of Firefighters has provided free, independent, and confidential care to the FDNY community in a space built by firefighters themselves. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the nearly 800 FDNY members lost on 9/11, or to 9/11-related illness, this funding ensures continuity of care at a moment when it is needed most. It also allows us to launch the Aaron Clark Peer Support Team, carrying forward Aaron's legacy of showing up for one another and ensuring no firefighter or family member ever carries the weight of this job alone," said Nancy Carbone, Founder and Executive Director, Friends of Firefighters.

The funding for Friends of Firefighters will support mental health counseling for current and retired FDNY firefighters and their immediate family members, general wellness programming, peer support, community building, outreach, and destigmatization of mental health services.

The WTCHP was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The updated funding secured this year continues that commitment to ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead. Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, first responders and survivors continue to be diagnosed with serious and often life-threatening 9/11-related health conditions, underscoring the ongoing need for stable federal support for the program. The WTCHP faces increasing demand as enrollment continues to grow and new illnesses are identified, putting pressure on the program's resources.

Together, these investments reflect a commitment to the physical and mental health these brave individuals, honoring their service in both moments of crisis and across a lifetime of care.

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