Libby, Montana Loses Vital Asbestos Clinic Amid Controversy

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News Summary

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana, closes following a court ruling, raising concerns about public health and access to screenings.

Libby, Montana Loses Vital Asbestos Clinic Amid Controversy

On a sunny day in Libby, Montana, where the weather forecast predicts a high of 77°F with clear skies, the community faces a stark reality: the closure of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD). Established in 2000, this clinic has been a beacon of hope for residents suffering from the catastrophic effects of asbestos exposure. However, following a recent court ruling, the clinic’s assets have been seized to settle a $3.1 million judgment in favor of BNSF Railway, a corporation tied to the area’s troubling history of asbestos contamination.

Background on CARD

For over two decades, CARD has provided essential health screenings, monitoring, and treatment to the approximately 3,000 residents of Libby, a town rich in history but plagued by health issues stemming from its long-abandoned vermiculite mine, which was known to contain asbestos. The nonprofit clinic was instrumental in diagnosing and supporting patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, which have taken a significant toll on the local population.

Closure Details and Legal Battles

The abrupt closure came after a legal saga that culminated in 2023, when BNSF Railway won a lawsuit against CARD, alleging fraudulent patient claims. The lawsuit challenged over 2,000 diagnoses made by the clinic, more than 300 of which were deemed false. This legal setback led CARD to declare bankruptcy, escalating tensions within the community regarding access to crucial healthcare services.

In the wake of the court order issued on May 7, 2025, which instructed the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to close the clinic, concerns have mounted about the implications for public health. The clinic’s executive leadership has highlighted that the reduced availability of asbestos screenings will leave many vulnerable, especially considering the area’s history with asbestos pollution.

The Historical Context of Asbestos in Libby

The history of asbestos in Libby dates back to the late 19th century when vermiculite mining began. The infamous W.R. Grace & Company purchased the mining operations in 1963, and the site was later designated as a Superfund site by the EPA in 2002 due to extensive contamination. Over the years, the consequences of exposure have been devastating, resulting in numerous cases of serious health issues, including cancer and other respiratory diseases.

Implications of the Closure

The immediate impact of CARD’s closure has raised alarms among local health officials. With access to critical health screenings significantly reduced, it is feared that undiagnosed cases of asbestos-related diseases will proliferate, leading to higher mortality rates. The concern is compounded by existing local health disparities and the community’s reliance on the clinic’s services for health outreach and education regarding asbestos exposure risks.

Funding Challenges and Future of Healthcare

The clinic’s operations depended heavily on federal grants, particularly a $3 million grant awarded by the CDC aimed at asbestos health screening until 2029. This funding accounted for 80% of CARD’s budget. With its closure, the fate of these crucial services remains uncertain, leaving many residents anxious about their healthcare access.

Further Legal Complications

Moreover, CARD is also grappling with additional legal troubles, including ongoing lawsuits concerning allegations of medical malpractice associated with opioid prescriptions for patients misdiagnosed due to the clinic’s previous practices. This has only intensified scrutiny on the organization and its past decisions.

Community Reactions and Health Concerns

Local authorities, including the Lincoln County Sheriff, have expressed their worries about the long-term health impacts on residents. The implications of losing the clinic extend beyond legal disputes; they reflect a larger narrative of environmental justice and the fight for health rights in a community devastated by industrial negligence. As the sun shines over Libby, casting light on the town’s difficult history, residents are left grappling with a future devoid of the healthcare support they desperately need.