Manuel Trujillo, Who Helped New Yorkers Heal After 9/11, Dies at 80

Manuel Trujillo, a pioneering psychiatrist who played a pivotal role in helping New Yorkers cope with the trauma and grief in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has died at the age of 80. As the director of psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital, Trujillo was at the forefront of providing mental health support to rescue workers, grieving families, and survivors of the devastating attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

In the days and weeks that followed the tragedy, Trujillo worked tirelessly to establish a comprehensive psychiatric response plan at Bellevue Hospital, which was one of the primary medical centers treating victims and first responders. He led a team of mental health professionals, providing critical guidance and support to those struggling to come to terms with the unprecedented disaster.

Trujillo’s expertise and compassionate approach helped alleviate the emotional pain and suffering of countless individuals, including rescue workers who had been exposed to the traumatic scenes at Ground Zero, and families who had lost loved ones in the attacks. His work not only helped mitigate the immediate psychological impact of the tragedy but also laid the groundwork for long-term mental health support and recovery.

Throughout his career, Trujillo was known for his dedication to providing psychiatric care to vulnerable populations, including those affected by trauma and disaster. His contributions to the field of psychiatry, particularly in the area of disaster response and crisis intervention, have left a lasting legacy.

The news of Trujillo’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the medical community, mental health professionals, and those whose lives he touched through his work. His selfless commitment to helping others heal and rebuild in the face of unimaginable tragedy will continue to inspire and influence the work of mental health professionals for years to come.