September was a busy month for us at VOICES! Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this year's events. On September 5 we hosted our 3rd Annual Golf Outing at the Country Club of Fairfield. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the participants had another beautiful day of golf overlooking the Long Island Sound.

On the 16th Anniversary, we gathered once again - in New York City, at the Pentagon, in Shanksville, PA, and in our local communities to remember and reflect. Much like September 11, 2001, the air was crisp, the sky was cloudless and the sun shined brightly.

Join us for VOICES 16th Annual Day of Remembrance Information Forum! Once again we will provide an informative program including presentations, panel discussions and round-table conversations designed to promote healing and resilience in the 9/11 community. The program is free of charge for 9/11 family members, survivors and responders and the dedicated professionals who are supporting them in a variety of ways.

A day-long program of clinically informed presentations from leading clinicians and subject matter experts working in the field of trauma. The program is designed for mental health professionals, victims' services, emergency managers, law enforcement and other community stakeholders. 5 social work CEU's available Victims' families, survivors and responders impacted by terrorism and mass violence are invited to attend as our guests.

Although not commonly discussed, mental health challenges are actually very common. Approximately 1 in 5 adults - 43.8 million Americans - experience mental illness in a given year; however, only 41% received mental health services in the past year. Left untreated, mental health issues can result in lost earnings, hospitalization, medical issues including substance use/abuse, leaving school or employment, incarceration, and in some cases suicide.

The bombing in Manchester this week - attacking children and their parents - was another visceral reminder of the unimaginable consequences of terrorism. The frequency of terrorist acts on innocent people going about their daily routines, most recently this morning in Egypt, is unconscionable. Since the attack we are working with our international partners to offer our support.

We want to take this opportunity to build awareness about the World Trade Center Health Program and the medical and psychological conditions covered. To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified nearly 60 cancers that 9/11 survivors and responders have developed as a result of their exposures to the toxins in Lower Manhattan after the attacks.

On December 18, 2015, Congress approved the extension of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which provides compensation and medical and mental health treatment to first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. One year later, there are still thousands of people who qualify for the benefits but have not yet signed up.

It is estimated that over 400,000 people were in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 and in the months afterward. Fifteen years later, many survivors are experiencing symptoms of the same life-threatening medical and psychological conditions as the responders who worked in the recovery effort.

The 15th Anniversary was a milestone, especially for those of us who were impacted on September 11, 2001. As we gathered in New York City, at the Pentagon in Shanksville, PA, or in our local communities, we remembered the 2,977 innocent citizens who lost their lives that day.