Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
9/11 Detective Who Pleaded With Congress Over Victims Fund Dies Of Cancer At Age 53
The New York Times: Luis Alvarez, Champion Of 9/11 Responders, Dies At 53
Luis G. Alvarez, a former New York City detective who pleaded with Congress this month to extend health benefits to police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, died on Saturday in a hospice in Rockville Centre, N.Y. He was 53. His family announced his death in a post on Facebook. The cause was complications of colorectal cancer, for which Mr. Alvarez received a diagnosis in 2016. The disease was linked to the three months he had spent at the site of the toppled World Trade Center towers in Lower Manhattan, searching for survivors and for remains of his fellow officers on nearby rooftops and in the toxic rubble at ground zero. (Roberts, 6/29)
Bloomberg: Luis Alvarez, Long-Time Advocate Of 9/11 Responders, Dies At 53
The disease was linked to the three months he spent at the site of the toppled World Trade Center, the report said. He spent most of that time searching for survivors and for remains of his fellow officers amid the toxic rubble. (Miller, 6/29)
USA Today: Luis Alvarez: 9/11 First Responder Who Fought For Compensation Dies
Luis Alvarez, who joined the NYPD in 1990 and became a top champion of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund year, had entered a hospice center a week after his appearance with Stewart. "It is with peace and comfort, that the Alvarez family announce that Luis (Lou) Alvarez, our warrior, has gone home to our Good Lord in heaven today," the family wrote in a statement on Facebook. "Please remember his words, 'Please take care of yourselves and each other.'" (Garrison, 6/29)
The Associated Press: Detective Who Fought For 9/11 Compensation Funding Dies
Alvarez appeared with former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart earlier this month to plead with Congress to extend the compensation fund. "This fund isn't a ticket to paradise, it's to provide our families with care," a frail Alvarez told a House Judiciary subcommittee June 11. He added, "You all said you would never forget. Well, I'm here to make sure that you don't." (6/29)
NPR: 9/11 Responder Who Pushed Congress To Boost Compensation Fund Dies Of Cancer
"Less than 24 hours from now, I will be serving my 69th round of chemotherapy," a gaunt Alvarez told Congress. "I should not be here with you, but you made me come. You made me come because I will not stand by and watch as my friends with cancer from 9/11, like me, are valued less than anyone else." (Allyn, 6/29)
The Washington Post: Luis Alvarez, Who Fought For His Fellow 9/11 First Responders, Dies At 53
The existing $7.5 billion fund is in danger of running out of funds before its current 2020 expiration date. It has already paid about $5 billion to 21,000 claimants, but as of February, 19,000 unpaid claims remain unaddressed. Officials said they would have to pay reduced claims starting Feb. 1, a situation that Rupa Bhattacharyya, the special master overseeing the funds, called “horribly unfair.” (Epstein, 6/29)
CNN: Congress Mourns Loss Of 9/11 Responder Luis Alvarez
Following the news of his death, several lawmakers called on Congress to permanently allocate money to a fund that compensates individuals with health problems related to the 2001 terrorist attacks. "Det. Alvarez lost his fight against cancer, but his fight for 9/11 responders and survivors continues. He dedicated his life to protecting others and advocating on behalf of those ailing after the attacks. It is time for Congress to honor his sacrifice," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the House Judiciary chairman, said on Twitter. Alvarez died Saturday at age 53 from complications of cancer linked to the time he spent with other first responders at Ground Zero. (Stracqualursi, 6/29)
Boston Herald: Death Of Luis Alvarez Hits Home For Boston 9/11 Responders
John Giunta, Salem fire chief and rescue team manager with Massachusetts Task Force 1 during 9/11, said he knows several firefighters who have fallen ill since the attacks. “Some that are pretty young and battling different types of cancer, it hits home when you hear that and you feel so bad, especially for young people with kids and families,” said Giunta. Giunta said the funding “needs to go through,” as it would provide protection and coverage to families in need. (Cohan, 6/29)
