A quarter of a century after nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the events that took place on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center Health Program is still treating first responders exposed to both trauma and toxins when they rushed to Ground Zero. 

Last week, World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence at Rutgers hosted “25 Years of Honor: A Tribute and Commemoration,” bringing together first responders, healthcare professionals, veterans, community leaders, and members of the Rutgers community to reflect on the lives lost, the heroes who served, and the resilience that continues to inspire us.

Through moments of silence, ceremonial tributes, and reflections from those connected to the legacy of 9/11, attendees honored the enduring spirit of service and remembrance.

Members of Rutgers Health Community Recognized by NJBIZ

It’s been a big summer for many across Rutgers Health. A handful of professionals who work in administrative roles were named as 2026 NJBIZ People to Watch in Healthcare, while many were also named in the 2026 NJBIZ Education Power list. Among those named, Dean Amy Murtha was listed in the former, while Rafael Perez-Figueroa appears in both. 

NJBIZ People to Watch in Healthcare:

Monifa Brooks, New Jersey Medical School, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Michelle Edelstein, School of Public Health

Brian Greer, Rutgers Center for Autism Research, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Abhishek Kumar, New Jersey Medical School

Jeannette Manchester, Center for Educational Innovation and Quality, School of Nursing

Rafael Pérez-Figueroa, School of Public Health

NJBIZ Education Power List:

Julie Blumenfeld, School of Nursing

Perry Halkitis, School of Public Health

Robert L. Johnson, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Health

Amy Murtha, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, future Rutgers School of Medicine

Rafael Pérez-Figueroa, School of Public Health

Wellbeing Corner

About the Office for the Promotion of Well-Being 

Rutgers Health Office for the Promotion of Well-Being prioritizes the well-being of its community members. It offers a comprehensive range of resources to help faculty, staff, and students discover ways to be well every day.

Start Small 

September often feels like a second New Year, bringing a renewed sense of possibility with the start of a new academic year. Rather than setting ambitious goals, choose one small well-being habit to practice this month. Tiny, consistent actions are more likely to become lasting routines than dramatic changes. 

Try this: Add 500 extra steps to your daily routine, take a short stretch break between meetings, or pause for three slow, mindful breaths before beginning a new task. 

The Five-Minute Reset Challenge 

Once each day this week, take five minutes to: 

• Stand up
• Stretch
• Look away from your screen
• Drink water
• Take a few slow, deep breaths 

These small pauses can help restore focus, reduce stress, and boost energy throughout the day.