I wanted to pass along the wonderful news that Congress has reauthorized the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act! Today, the U.S. House and Senate passed a spending package that includes funds to extend the World Trade Center Health Program.

Like the rest of the world, I watched in horror as the terrorist attacks unfolded in Paris on Friday evening. It brought back a flood of memories of 9/11, and the feelings of uncertainty, helplessness, and overwhelming sadness. My prayers were with the hostages, and the families of the victims and injured.

We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the beautiful autumn season. It has been a busy two months here at VOICES, and we want to take this opportunity to update you. On Tuesday, September 8th, VOICES hosted our Inaugural Golf Outing at the Country Club of Fairfield.

In June 2015 VOICES launched a research study, "Investigating the Long-Term Impact of Bereavement Due to Terrorism: Factors That Contribute to Trauma, Grief, Growth and Resilience." The study is evaluating the immediate and ongoing needs of family members who lost loved ones on September 11th and in the bombing of Air India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985.

The day-long event will include presentations, panel discussions on the World Trade Center Health Program and re-authorization of the Zadroga Act, and interactive workshops led by accomplished clinicians, authors, and researchers. We are pleased to bring together this group of professionals with expertise in the fields of psychology, research, occupational health, and medicine.