Collective Advocacy for Systemic Change

Advances and opposes legislation affecting public employees by publishing positions, developing legislative agendas, and advocating for changes in areas such as pensions, health care, mental health support, and 9/11-related benefits. The organization has spearheaded landmark laws, including the 9/11 Presumptive Disability Law, and continues to advocate for extensions and improvements to related benefits and eligibility.

Organizes two major annual events—an Annual Legislative Breakfast in Albany and an Annual Convention—along with other meetings to present its legislative agenda to state officials, including the Governor and more than half of New York’s legislators, and to connect union leadership with elected officials.

Offers free, confidential counseling and mental health support services specifically for law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families, with a focus on suicide prevention, PTSD, and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

Represents over 90 member unions and umbrella organizations, collectively serving more than one million active and retired public employees, through a structured Board of Directors and coordinated legislative committee with voting representation from each member unit.

Investigates and challenges delays and denials of legitimate disability pensions by the NYC Employee Retirement System for 9/11 responders.

Organized and promoted a petition urging Congress to permanently extend the Zadroga Act to ensure continued health expense coverage for 9/11 first responders and survivors.

Runs an online therapy research study focused on World Trade Center responders to evaluate mental health treatment approaches.

Links individuals with medical and legal professionals and advocates on their behalf before public and private authorities to secure health and financial benefits.

Raises funds via the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to support the FDNY Counseling Service Unit and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s programs for families of fallen firefighters.

Hosts an annual 9/11 naming ceremony and a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Run/Walk event featuring a 3.43-mile course to honor those affected by the September 11 attacks.

Conducts outreach to identify 9/11 responders present at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, or Shanksville, and provides education on health and economic resources; operates an ongoing outreach and education program for the 9/11 responder community.

Released a video series to inform 9/11 responders and survivors about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Program and how to access benefits.

Offers financial support for health-related expenses including medications, natural remedies, medical transportation, nutrition, and basic home utilities to emergency and essential workers in the U.S. who have been injured or are at risk of serious injury in the course of their duties or daily lives.

Promotes and builds nationwide support for the extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, including advocacy for the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Advocated for the extension of the Zadroga Act through 2090 and contributed to the passage of the 2019 "Never Forget the Heroes" Act, which permanently authorizes healthcare and financial support for 9/11 responders, survivors, and families.

Has awarded over $120,000 in grants to charities on Long Island.

Operates a video library as part of its media outreach efforts.

Provides financial assistance, medical equipment (such as motorized scooters and portable oxygen machines), home health aides, hospice care, and therapeutic treatments to 9/11 first responders for medical needs not covered by insurance, improving their quality of life.