Today is the twenty-second anniversary of 9/11. We’d originally planned to feature a hopeful column on the bravery of those who sprang into action to help that day. Then we came across this piece on how volunteers with 9/11-related illnesses continue to be misserved by the medical system designed specifically to treat them. Hard as we try to keep our emotions at bay at One Daily Link, the failures catalogued by the author (needless red tape, reduced patient choice, and — as of 2022 — decreased funding) are infuriating. And the criticisms aren’t just coming from the columnist. Two separate government reports, one as recent as 2022, identified issues with the program, issues that appear to remain unaddressed.

This is unacceptable. These men and women deserve not just better, but the best. And they deserve it now.