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Federal Health Coordination Official Not Reappointed

Washington, D.C.-The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided not to reappoint the official who has coordinated different health programs for the workers at Ground Zero.

Dr. John Howard has been the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health since the year 2002.

He has been the supervisor of health programs for the personnel that worked at Ground Zero and other 9-11 workers since 2006.

His administration over the program has at times been in conflict and clashed with treatment and monitoring plans for the 9-11 workers proposed by the Bush Administration.

Aides for various Congressmen spoke to Dr. Howard on Thursday and stated that he had met with Dr. Julie L. Gerberding who is the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Gerberding is the director of the CDC and has jurisdiction over the national institute formerly headed by Dr. Howard.

Dr. Howard was told by Dr. Gerberding that he would not be reappointed for this year.

It was the desire of Dr. Howard to continue in the position, which pays $174,612 dollars a year. Dr. Howard signaled his desire to continue in a letter in April to HHS secretary Michael O. Leavitt.