2001.09.25:HHS' New York Regional Office Reopens Following Attacks

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001

Contact:

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

HHS' NEW YORK REGIONAL OFFICE REOPENS FOLLOWING ATTACKS
Secretary's Office Will Temporarily Relocate to New York Region Later This Fall

NEW YORK -- HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced that the HHS Region II office in New York City has reopened for business following the Sept. 11 attack at the World Trade Center. The Region II office serves New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In remarks to more than 200 HHS regional staff in New York today, Secretary Thompson highlighted the importance of the work that HHS provides to citizens throughout the region on a daily basis, but he particularly noted how New Yorkers are especially depending upon HHS' programs and services in this time of crisis.

"At times like this, it is important to make a strong statement that the federal government is up and running. This city, this state, and their people need help right now. The Department of Health and Human Services will deliver, now and in the long run," the Secretary said.

The New York regional office is responsible for the guidance and coordination of HHS policies in the region, and the office will serve as a vital link between the department and disaster relief efforts in the New York metropolitan area.

Secretary Thompson also announced today that he will temporarily move his office and its operations to the New York regional office later this year.

"Today is not the last you'll see of me. I'm pleased to announce that I will move my office along with my senior staff and operations here to New York City for a week later this fall," said the Secretary.

In recent months the Secretary has temporarily relocated his office from HHS headquarters several times--to the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Secretary Thompson was on hand today to greet the department's New York regional office employees as they returned to work at their federal offices in lower Manhattan, just a few blocks from the World Trade Center disaster site.

"I'm here today because I wanted personally to welcome you as you return to work during this difficult time," said Secretary Thompson. "I wanted to be here to support you, to listen to you, and to thank you for your dedication and commitment."

Deborah Konopko, the Secretary's newly appointed representative for Region II, joined Secretary Thompson in addressing HHS regional staff.

"You have all been through a traumatizing experience," said Ms. Konopko. "I want you to know that we have many, many resources available to you, resources that will be available today, tomorrow, next week, and for as long as anyone needs them. That is my pledge to you."

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

HHS' NEW YORK REGIONAL OFFICE REOPENS FOLLOWING ATTACKS Secretary's Office Will Temporarily Relocate to New York Region Later This Fall

HHS' NEW YORK REGIONAL OFFICE REOPENS FOLLOWING ATTACKS
Secretary's Office Will Temporarily Relocate to New York Region Later This Fall